Jack Roush (The Cat in The Hat)

Well, this is one of the most renowned names in the Mustang Industry. Jack Roush has been in racing for many years now. He has accomplished many things in his career. The
Roush Mustang
is one of many things he has under his belt. I could write a book about
this man but I don't have that kind of time. So I've gathered some
interesting facts of his history for you. I put it in a timeline
outline so it will be easier to read. This way you don't have to read
through lengthly paragraphs and get bored with my writing. (god knows I
do...) There is alot to cover about Jack Roush. And there are websites
dedicated directly to him. But I am going to stick with the most
important facts that has made him a LEGEND!
1942 - April 19th, born in Covington, KY. but grew up in Manchester,OH. very small town of 2500 people.
1964 - Graduated from Berea College with a Mathematics
Degree and a minor in Physics. (I have a high school diploma, almost
the same right?) Hired in at Ford as an engineer and moved to Detroit.
(hello motorcity!!) After assisting with the processing of assembling
and tooling for cars, he wanted to move into Engine Research and
Developement.
1966 - Joined "Fastbacks" a drag racing group. This team
consisted of various Ford Fastback cars. Icluding a Pinto, Mustang II,
and a Maverick.
1969 - In MAY, Roush left Ford. Started buying equipment
to help improve performance of the "Fastbacks". Often offered his parts
for sale throughout his career. Also hired in at Chrysler.
1970 - Obtained a Master's in Scientific Mathematics at
Eastern Michigan University. (darn, I have a looooong way to go for
this one) Left Chrysler to pursue his own company. The group
"Fastbacks" was ended. And Jack Roush partnered with Wayne Gapp to race
in NHRA, IHRA, and AHRA winnging numerous events and carrying one
championship in each class. Continued solely in drag racing till 1978.
1971-1972 - Taught mathematics, physics, and various
automotive subjects @ Monroe Community College. (Monroe? I guess he
likes the small towns)
1976 - Ended partnership w/ Wayne Gapp. Formed "Jack
Roush Performance Engineering". Because of his racing experience and
reputation he was kept very busy. He stopped operating his drag racing
team. He mainly built engines for other race teams through the early
'80s.
1982 - Partnered w/ Zakspeed Racing, a German Firm with
great success in Europe who wanted to race in the U.S.A. Races were in
Trans-Am series and IMSA Camel GT series. 1984 - "The Legend was Born" Returned to racing in SCCA
and IMSA road racing series. Won the Manufacturer's title for
Lincoln-Mercury. 1988 - Roush Racing is born.(well, created anyways. in
actuallity it already existed but didn't have a name) He moved south to
include NASCAR Winston Cup into his racing business. Teamed with driver
Mark Martin. Won 1 pole position and 10 top-10 finishes. 1989 - Won first NASCAR Winston Cup at North Carolina Motor Speedway with Mark Martin as his driver.
1995 - Created "Roush Performance Products" (HELLO
MUSTANG) This great company brought us our first Roush Mustang that we
know and love. It also included a line of performance parts and crate
engines. 2002 - Jack Roush almost loses his life in a
self-piloted airplane in Troy, Alabama. (the wings of the plane are in
his personal museum) He incurred a head injury,
broken ribs, and a shattered left leg. He was rescued by retired Marine
Larry Hicks. (THANK YOU LARRY) 2004 - Earned his 300th career win in post drag-racing at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
2006 - April 27th, Introduced into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame

The Fastbacks. Mustang II, Maverick, Pinto.
Jack Roush w/two of his earlier cars.
Mr. Roush was interested in anything mechanical probably since
he was born. I wouldn't doubt if he tried building a faster BIRTH from
inside his mother. It's said that if there was anything mechanical
around his house growing up, he would have to take it apart to see how
it worked. (hmm.. wonder if his mom got as mad as mine when i wired
some things together once and decided to plug it in and see what it
would do?)
He is a Team Owner, CEO of ROUSH Racing, and a Chairman of the Board of ROUSH Enterprises
(wow, and I thought my job was demanding) which is the parent company
of Roush Fenway Racing, Roush Industries, Roush Performance
Products,Performance Assembly Solutions, and Roush Aviation. Among
these companies, over 1800 people are currently employed. (I wonder if
they are hiring?) Locations include Five U.S. States, Mexico, and Great
Britain. His company is involved in engineering and manufacturing for electronics, sports equipment, aviation and motorsports industries.
Roush Fenway Racing has more than 300 wins to their
credit. It has 5 Nextel Cup teams. One full season and two
limited-schedule Busch Series teams. It also has two
Craftsman Truck Series teams. Roush, with various drivers have claimed
10 consecutive 24 Hours fo Daytona sedan class championships. 24
national championships and titles in two series, including 12
manufacturer's championships. 119 road racing victories. Roush Fenway
Racing is the most winningest Ford racing team in history.
Roush was the only professional drag-racer to venture into
NASCAR, SCCA and IMSA road racing with success in every sport. Racing
fields include: five cars in NASCAR Sprint Cup series. Six cars in
NASCAR Nationwide series. Three trucks in NASCAR Craftsman Truck
series.
Roush Performance Products is the first specialy vehicle
company to combine race proven technology with everyday vehicles.
Vehicles included in the line-up are the Ford F-150, Ford Focus, and
the infamous Ford Mustang.
These vehicles get styling, handling and performance upgrades to the
factory models. Jack personally approves every product before release
and production. Also included from this company are performance parts
and crate engines. So if you want to make your Ford Mustang faster
because it's SLOW to you. This is the place to get some great parts. So as you can see this man has alot going on. The history of
Jack Roush is what helped him to bring us the amazing Roush Ford
Mustang and I for one am very greatful. Check out some of the photos I
have gathered of Jack and various things.
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