On Thursday, officials from Bristol Motor Speedway and NASCAR driver Chase Briscoe were in Danville to name God’s Pit Crew a Bristol Motor Speedway Neighborhood Hero.

Established in 2018, the BMS Neighborhood Heroes program recognizes individuals, groups, and organizations who have gone above and beyond in their service, actions and performances to better their communities. Past honorees have included first responders, military personnel, educators, athletes, healthcare workers and other community leaders who have made a lasting impact on the state of Tennessee and the expanded region around Bristol Motor Speedway.

Randy and Terri Johnson started God’s Pit Crew after seeing the devastation left behind from horrifying tornadoes that ripped through Oklahoma in 1999. The couple wanted to help so they borrowed trucks and trailers and delivered much-needed supplies for those in need. That single journey changed the focus of their lives. Soon after that moment they created God’s Pit Crew. It continues to serve as one of the most effective disaster relief organizations.

With a massive team of more than 1,700 staff and volunteers, God’s Pit Crew provides many services, including immediate response, where they are among the first to help on the scene of a disaster with rescue and recovery equipment. The group also offers building projects, where they provide homes to those with special needs. To date they have constructed and furnished 114 residences for natural disaster victims. They have also helped to renovate homes, schools, churches, playgrounds and much more. In addition, they offer a regional distribution service that gets supplies to those in need as quickly as possible. They provide pallets of food and water, hygiene supplies, medicines and other necessities. Since their inception they have delivered more than 100 million pounds of supplies.

“When we first started, even after we officially organized, we thought it would be a handful of people going to a couple of disasters a year,” God’s Pit Crew Founder Randy Johnson said. “We had no idea it would turn into what it has today. I don’t believe we have a fraction of what God has in store for us. It’s incredible to have leaders and volunteers to accomplish all the different things. We like to meet the needs of those who’ve been affected by disaster from start to finish.

“We are so honored to be selected as a Neighborhood Hero, and we can’t wait to join you all at Bristol Motor Speedway next Saturday night. This is so special.”

God’s Pit Crew will be officially recognized during the Round of 16 Playoff race in the NASCAR Cup Series, on Sept. 13 when BMS President and General Manager Jerry Caldwell presents them with a BMS Neighborhood Heroes plaque on the big stage during pre-race ceremonies for the Bass Pro Shops Night Race.