2007 Master Shop Rat of the Year: Jack Roush

At the First Annual Manufacturers Day at the Races event held on August 18th at the CARFAX 250 NASCAR race at the Michigan International Speedway, the Shop Rat Foundation Awarded Jack Roush with the Master Shop Rat of the Year Award.

Prior to the ceremony, Chris Salow, Founder and Amanda Proctor, Marketing Director of the Shop Rat Organization had the opportunity to spend several hours with the folks from Roush and was really surprised at the depth and diversity of their organizations. You might recognize the name Jack Roush but you are probably unaware of the variety of projects that they undertake.

Many of the projects that they undertake, they not only come up with the ideas but they design, manufacture, validate and market the projects. They have a strong relationship with the automotive manufactures on many levels.

As they toured their facilities it became evident that there wasn't any project that was to big for them to tackle. They had the opportunity to see a full mock up helicopter used for display purposes. It was said that many people were unable to distinguish it from an actual helicopter. They have extensive ability in carbon fiber composites and also rebuild vintage world war two aircraft engines.

Jack and his team of shop rats have made quite a name for themselves with their Mustang packages they offer and validate these parts through their road and drag racing programs. Many of the specialty cars for auto shows and prototypes came through the Roush organizations.

Although Jack is a great business man he has a fun side too. Apparently back in the 60s Jack was quite the street racer. There was one time when Jack was racing on the street and the police pulled him and the other driver over and the police officer went to the other car first and let him go rather quickly. So, Jack thought this guy must be a drag racer, I'll be alright. When the police office approached the vehicle Jack could tell he was mad, and the cop says to Jack, "That guy's wife is having a baby, what's your excuse."

Jack has a real passion to see manufacturing strong in this state and country and understands the value of having qualified people in his team. A competitive shop rat will pursue the most creative ways to get the job done and inspire others to raise their tools for the Shop Rat mission. For that, the Shop Rat Foundation awarded Jack Roush as the 2007 Master Shop Rat of the Year.