Roush-Yates Engines branching into NHRA?

The world of racing is known as a hotbed of rumors. Among the various forms of racing and the numbers of drivers, crew members and other employees involved in the industry it is difficult to keep secrets.

One rumor to have recently made the rounds in drag racing circles is that Roush-Yates Engines, better known for their NASCAR exploits, may be about to enter the realm of the quarter-mile.

In particular, they have their sights set on NHRA Pro Stock. Completely unofficial word has it the racing engine conglomerate is in the process of developing a 500 cubic inch pro stock motor, apparently with the blessing of Ford.

If the rumor is to be believed they have established a Ford parts number for the cylinder heads and engine block. NHRA rules mandate a Pro Stock engine must have a factory part number to be raced in that division.

The company, a joint operation of Ford Motor Company’s two main NASCAR organizations, has proven itself as a top builder of stock car engines. Last year their engines won a total of 11 Sprint Cup races as well as races in various other divisions of circle track racing. And just last week one of their engines won the Daytona 500 for driver Matt Kenseth.

Jack Roush, half of the Roush-Yates duo, was involved in drag racing long before coming to NASCAR. The former Ford Motor Company engineer’s teams have won NHRA events and championships. However, he left straight-line racing to venture into various other forms of competition. Could it be that he plans to return to the place of his racing roots in some form or fashion?