A fan is pictured with Jack Roush (right) during Jack Roush Day celebrated in Manchester this past weekend. Photo by Connie McDonald/The People’s Defender
Roush returns home for festival
By Connie McDonald The People’s Defender
MANCHESTER – A record number of fans gathered at the Riverbarn in Manchester to see, get an autograph from and maybe get a picture with Manchester's own Jack Roush.
After a night of racing in Charlotte, Roush flew in Sunday morning to again be honored by his hometown family, friends and fans.
Spectators crowded into the community building at noon to have lunch with Roush. He told of his start into racing and the growing business NASCAR racing has become. Jack is the owner of Roush Racing, and at this time has five drivers in the "Chase to the Championship." Greg Biffle in the 16 car is 2nd in points, Matt Kenseth in the 17 car is 5th in the points, Carl Edwards driving the 99 car is 6th in the race to the chase, Kurt Busch, piloting the 97 car is 7th in points and probably one of the most famous drivers, Mark Martin in the 6 car is 9th in points. With only five more races to finish out the 2005 season, the championship is still reachable by any of the Roush drivers.
After the dinner, Roush was escorted to the Riverbarn, by Sammy Holbrook in his Chevelle. Holbrook was the winner of the drawing held in conjunction with the car show.
On stage, past mayor, Cornelia Dettmer, presented Roush with a plaque honoring October 12 as Jack Roush Day in Manchester. This date coincides with the First Jack Roush Day in 2003. Roush, choked up with emotion, thanked all in attendance and said "You all humble me by the generosity of the community. Never have I been so honored."
Roush went on to talk about growing up in Manchester and some of his adventures.
"My first competition, at the age of 5, was a bicycle decorating contest, which I won. The next year they discontinued the contest, which is typical of today." This statement brought about a laugh from the audience, in which NASCAR is wanting to limit the number of cars any team can have.
After the presentations, Roush then sat down with his mother, Georgetta Roush, to sign autographs. What was suppose to last a couple of hours, turned into almost four, but Roush was more than happy to accommodate everyone wanting an autograph.
Although wanting to stay longer, with family and friends, Roush flew back out to be with his teams readying for the race next week in Martinsville, VA.
