Rate this article:
Greenlight Andretti Green Danica Patrick 1st Win 2008
This is a replica of the racecar used during the 2008 Japan race in which she won her first race ever!
Our Price: 1/18th Scale - $45.95 ($41.36 Member)
Ducati Red Team Logo Hat
100% cotton. Embroidered. Adjustable strap.
Our Price: $36.00 ($32.40 Member)
Formula 1 2009 Calendar
Every month is accompanied by a superb action shot from the 2008 season, with essential information about the sport.
Our Price: $16.95 ($15.26 Member)
Written by:
Bill Wood
RACER Magazine http://www.racer.com
RACER Magazine http://www.racer.com
07/12/2007 - 07:00 PM
Los Angeles, Calif.
Like father, like son: Roush Jr. is a "Mustang man"... (ROUSH Performance photo) » More Photos
Every son everywhere knows the experience of "Dad." What to do with him? How do I live up to him? Can I do it? These issues are magnified enormously when Dad is famous like Jack Roush and you're in his business, motorsports.
KONI Challenge Mustang driver Jack Roush, Jr. knows these questions and he's worked out many of these answers on his own terms, behind the wheel AND at Dad's side.
"I do get quite a few questions about that," Roush told me on his birthday last week. "I don't view my Dad's legacy as anything negative or intimidating. Actually, about my racing in particular, my Dad has never pushed me to do that. He's also very open to me following my own vision or path."
To be clear, Jack Roush, Sr. might be one of the most iconic figures in contemporary American motor racing. He currently owns five NASCAR Nextel Cup teams and two Nextel Cup championships. He's won championships in sports car road racing and NHRA drag racing. Personally, I think the near Gapp & Roush NHRA Pro Stock title in a 1975 four-door Ford Maverick (the Tijuana Taxi had three wins and three runner-ups in eight events but lost the title in the last race to Bob Glidden) might stand out as the greatest achievement in Roush's career. Read up on the drama of that season…
Saying all of that, Jack Roush remains a tough hurdle to overcome when you carry his name into motor racing competition like Jack Roush, Jr. But to Jack, Jack Sr. is just Dad, even granddad.
"He loves his grandkids a lot. It's kind of funny seeing him be so competitive but you set (my daughter) in front of him and he just melts." You have to recognize there's a non-racing side to any competitor but it's fun to imagine Jack Roush in a fedora talking baby talk to his granddaughter then charging into the NASCAR breach to get another championship for Matt Kenseth, Greg Biffle or Carl Edwards!
Here's another example of Roush Sr. taking himself a little less seriously.
"As opposed to popular belief, he actually can take off his hat. I've seen him walk around crowds at race tracks and one of his techniques for going in disguise is taking
Jack told me Dad appreciates the son's success at becoming his own man while racing, raising a family and giving birth to a growing computer business. Among the software created at What U Seek is a navigation package to help you search through websites such as Grand-Am.com.
One viewpoint he does share with his Dad is the entry of Toyota into NASCAR. Senior was very vocal in his opposition to the move. Junior races in a series – the KONI Challenge – that embraces brands from Japan and Europe.
"One thing that's different about Toyota's entry into NASCAR is that it's been such an American form of racing. Bringing in Toyota definitely changes that at a time when the American auto industry is struggling financially. Is it a good thing, I don't know (but) I don't think I'll be rooting for the Toyotas.
Stay ahead of the curve in NASCAR each month in RACER. Ben Blake analyzes Penske Racing's ever-evolving program in our August issue, on sale now.
"Looking at my series, I race against a couple German manufacturers. Road racing has had foreign manufacturers for a long time. For me to race an American car, I do have pride in that while racing against foreign brands." He said he wouldn't consider a ride in a Porsche or BMW. "I'm a Mustang guy."
Jack is a rookie in the KONI Challenge. He's currently 24th in points with two top ten finishes after eight of 12 races. KONI Challenge rules require two drivers with the driver who qualifies the car being the one who starts the race. Jack normally starts the races and hands the car over to co-driver Dean Martin, a much more experienced and faster driver. Still, at Mid-Ohio last month Jack qualified 26th and worked his way to the race lead before he turned the car over to Martin to much backslapping and handshakes from his Rehagen Racing teammates. However, a brake failure later in the race left the team 23rd.
Page 1 of 2
