September 7 1998

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Australia's biggest tire mogul, a recently born-again Christian after winning a battle against cancer, wants to bring religion to the center of his favorite pastime: auto racing.

Bob Jane has rescued an 80-year-old rustic church set for demolition and moved it to the Thunderdome NASCAR racing track in Melbourne. The church will be part of extended Christian activities at the first NASCAR track outside the United States.

The idea of having a church at the racing site came as a result of prayer. "This is a dangerous sport," says Jane, a self-made millionaire. "The drivers need all the help they can get to stay alive." The interdenominational church, to be completed next month, will be available for weddings, christenings, funerals, and other events.

In addition to opening races with prayers and eulogies, Jane plans to bring sports ministers from Charlotte, North Carolina, to join Australian evangelism teams during the summer racing season that starts in October.

Jane, a racing-car driver himself, built the track as part of a motor-racing complex that includes flat and drag racing.