By Bryson Foster | Oct. 23, 2025
Joe Gibbs Racing Chaplain Jon Wehner has been a part of the CEDE Sports team for 14 years. From a career in racing to ministry, Wehner has always felt God's presence in his life.
"When I turn the water on in the morning, the water comes out of the faucet. I feel like God has intervened," said Wehner. "He's always behind me, and it's just natural, but it's always these dramatic things that God does. It's just got to be him."
Growing up
Wehner grew up in Eastpointe, Mich. His parents, originally hailing from northern Indiana, made the move when his father got an auditing job with Chrysler.
Wehner grew up in a Catholic household and gave his life to Christ in eighth grade.
"We found a good community at St. Veronica's," said Wehner. "I was confirmed in eighth grade. However, when I graduated, I just felt something was missing. I knew there was more."
The North Carolina move
In 1992, Wehner moved to North Carolina to pursue a career in racing. After a conversation with God, he made the move and started working for Ray and Diane Dewitt.
"I was helping them as a weekend warrior, and they said, 'Does anybody want to come down here full-time with us?' At the time I was married, I had a house and prayed about it. I said, 'Lord, what do you think?' And the house sold overnight," said Wehner.
His role changed from part-time to full-time when he was brought on to help Mark Vieau build engines. Wehner had never worked on engines, but Vieau helped him learn the ropes.
"He [Vieau] wanted to hire someone with no experience," said Wehner. "He knew that training someone from scratch would eliminate any bad habits. He took me under his wing and hired me off the street to work in the engine shop on the chassis and car side."
A move into ministry
During his time in racing, Wehner experienced back-to-back NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Championships. While excelling in the field, a connection with Motor Racing Outreach (MRO) NASCAR Xfinity Series Chaplain Ron Pegram changed Wehner's trajectory again.
"Max Helton, who was running MRO, wanted to hire an Xfinity Series chaplain, and that man was Pegram," said Wehner. "Ron was my mentor, who showed me what Christianity could truly be like. It was at that point that I started teaching Bible study at our church."
Wehner then decided to attend East Coast Bible College before moving on to Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, where he earned his Master's Degree in Divinity. After training up an assistant to take his place on the racing side, he started leading a Monday Night Bible Service full-time at Grace Covenant Church in Cornelius, N.C.
CEDE Sports
Wehner spent five years leading the Monday Night Bible service and establishing the ministry. He felt called to something new at CEDE Sports due to a friendship with the Founder and CEO, Bob Dyar.
"Again, I'm like, what are you doing, God?" said Wehner. "There was someone who had worked here and said, 'Hey, Bob Dyar, his assistant who does the books, is getting ready to leave, and he needs somebody to work for him, so go see Bob.' Bob took a chance on me."
Wehner was hired in 2011 to handle the books and assist with ministry tasks as the director of operations. He held the role for three years before starting to work with Joe Gibbs Racing as a chaplain.
Wehner said his favorite part of chaplaincy is the personal connection.
"The most rewarding part is working with the guys on the floor and making sure they know that there's a God who loves them. Getting together with them and offering hope in a sometimes helpless situation is why we do it," said Wehner.
Perspectives on faith
For Wehner, CEDE Sports is making a difference in the lives of others. Wehner said the work of CEDE Sports allows for growth in spiritual journeys.
"To use sport as a way to talk about our Heavenly Father and letting the spirit open those doors, and it's just a catalyst," said Wehner. "We are using what God has opened a door for and taking full advantage of it in a positive spiritual way. CEDE has got everything to do with God."
Wehner believes that not relying on one's own understanding is key. Getting into the Word is a piece of advice he would give to others.
"The impact of the Word is crucial. It can speak differently and you are never going to hear the same verse the same way. When you go through tough times, Scripture pops out," said Wehner.
Being a family man, Wehner and his wife Christie have five children and a grandbaby boy. Wehner wants to leave behind a legacy where he loves his family and God receives the glory through his actions.
"I want people to think of me as a man of faith. It's all about God," said Wehner. "In Colossians, it talks about Jesus being the visible image of an invisible God. Jesus left in Acts, leaving his Holy Spirit. I believe that if we're to represent Christ, we can be a visible image of an invisible God through our actions and words."
Wehner’s journey from racing to ministry reflects a deep commitment to living out his faith in every aspect of life. Through his work, he continues to inspire others by being a visible example of God’s love and presence.