The Cat in the Panama Hat

I met the man in my work break room. I was sitting there, minding my own business, which happens to be the exact start of every strange and other worldly experience I have ever had.

Some company reps walked in with a older gentleman, and before I could put anything together, some guy (not sure who) said "It's a special day, Luke...That man sitting across from you is Jack Roush."

Where had I heard the name Roush before, I wondered... "Oh yeah..." I thought, "Roush mustangs." Before fear could take hold, I started walking toward him. And I said, "Well sir, I am not sure exactly who you are...but I get the feeling you are someone important, and I would like to shake your hand at the very least." I was wearing an American flag ball cap, which I definitely did want him to autograph, and I'm a little embarrassed I didn't. I did get the feeling that asking that man to sign one more thing would have cheapened the entire experience. We looked at each other for a few, but meaningful seconds, and I felt that the handshake was good enough... It was a secret handshake, the type of handshake that stops your pulse.

For about 60 seconds, we were just two cats in a break room. One minute of that man's time was all that was needed to make me a Ford fan for life. My 5.4L F-150 (it's a real bitch to work on) purrs. I'm even more certain that a Roush Mustang sounds like a panther, the biggest baddest cat in the concrete jungle. If there is anything I like, it is American muscle, which is something I'm sure Jack believes in too. It's a damn good thing I didn't say anything about yota's. Unfortunately, I like things that are reliable, and that tends to be where I gravitate...but my old pick up truck hasn't failed me yet.

I'm not a big "gear head", I don't watch much NASCAR, but I should, and I would, if I didn't hate that "little nuts" factory so badly. Maybe some day I'll make it to the track, and drop a name. Maybe he'll remember, maybe he won't. I won't take it too personal.

I walked down the stairs and onto the manufacturing floor, every one in the building was excited to see Jack Roush, and Stenhouse. But it was all called off, I was the only one in the factory who shook the man's hand that day as far as I know. And I never met Stenhouse.

I have met Chevrolet, and Ford guys, people who like luxury cars, and all the Asian brands. I get excited about high performance products, but of all the reasons I have ever heard for why one is better than the other, no one has ever given me a better reason for why they like what they like.

Thank you for your time, Sir. That was one of the most meaningful experiences I have ever had. And if you actually do read this, I think propane fueling is the best bet towards HHO fuel technology. It could save the planet.

Until then, If I win the lotto...I'm buying a P-51.

Yes, co-owner of Roush raceways. Roush performance, and ROUSH CleanTech