Story: FnSweet

09-09-08: While the economy continues to prove difficult for many in the auto industry, Roush Performance continues to work new angles in their business that are aimed to pay off dividends in both sales and credibility. Today has come the announcement that Roush Performance has gained approval of their ROUSHcharged Mustang power trains by the NHRA for competition.

Historically, the National Hot Rod Association has only approved powertrains for competition as they come from the factories in Detroit, but all that changed with the recent approval of the 2008 Roush supercharged 4.6L V-8 in the Stage 3 and P-51A Mustangs. Roush believes that this is the first time the NHRA has approved an aftermarket power train for competition.

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What this means is that Roush Mustangs will be allowed in the NHRA Stock and SuperStock categories. Class delineations will be determined by the horsepower and shipping weight of the two vehicles. Coupe or convertible chassis will be allowed with a horsepower of 430 for the Stage 3 and 510 for the P-51A. (The shipping weight of the ROUSH coupes is 3316 pounds, while a convertible weighs in at 3443 pounds.)

Depending on the combination of coupe or convertible and the Roush Stage 3 or P-51A power train, the cars would be classified between AA Stock and B Stock or SuperStock A and F. It is anticipated that the first team to campaign a Roush Mustang in NHRA competition will be Haas, Carrothers & Wagner Racing.

The team, which has won three consecutive NHRA Division 3 championships (2004-2006), is currently building a ROUSH Mustang with a Stage 3 power train. “As many people know, I first began my motorsports career in drag racing and had a lot of success in the NHRA over the years,” said Jack Roush. “I never lost my interest in the sport and have continued to follow it with great enthusiasm since moving on to road racing and now stock cars. I think it is going to be very exciting to see a ROUSH Mustang breaking the beams on the starting line and I really look forward to the day one of our cars captures that first ‘Wally' (the nickname of the trophy awarded in NHRA competition in tribute to Wally Parks, the founder of the NHRA).”

This move is a strategic one for Roush which continues to build on their racing pedigree into NHRA. By having the cars approved as stock for competition, owners and teams are able to place in classes that may give them a better edge. Furthermore, it adds to the brand image going forward. “Tuner” cars are a competitive market segment and whenever you have a factory builder who is deep into racing such as Roush has become, it only adds credibility and value to the name.

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