Dearborn, Mich. — This afternoon several Ford employees gathered in a World Headquarters auditorium to interact with several NASCAR drivers and Ford executives. However, Edsel B. Ford II, a member of the Ford board of directors had a special presentation for Jack Roush. Ford II’s speech follows.

“Thanks, Joe [Moore, emcee], and good afternoon to all of you.

“A special thank you to our NASCAR Truck drivers for their participation, and, of course, to our Nextel Cup drivers and owners up here on stage with me today.

“I know many of you have questions for our drivers, but I have one presentation to make that I hope you’ll enjoy.

“Forty-two years ago in 1964, a man on this stage was hired as a Ford engineer. Forty years ago, he joined a Ford employee group called The Fastbacks, a group of weekend drag racers from our company.

“Well, he ended up leaving the company in 1969, but we’re pleased to say he never forgot about his roots.

“Jack Roush—after leaving Ford—not only founded, but oversees an automotive company called Roush Industries—but he also created a racing empire.

“From three Pro Stock championships in drag racing, to 24 championships in road racing—including an amazing 10 consecutive wins at the 24 Hours of Daytona—to four championships in NASCAR, including one at every level of the sport, Jack Roush’s name has become synonymous for winning; and, thankfully for us his name is synonymous for racing Fords.

“He currently fields Ford Fusions in the Nextel Cup and Busch Series, and Ford F-150s in the Craftsman Truck series, and last year set the racing world on notice by putting five drivers in the NASCAR Chase for the Championship.

“He also partnered with fellow team owner Robert Yates to develop the Roush-Yates Ford engine shop, which supplies all our NASCAR teams and a host of sports car teams with Ford power, and is the envy of the sport.

“Through and through, Jack has proven a dedicated, hard-working, competitive, and innovative person. In short, he’s what this company is all about.

“That said, it’s my pleasure today to honor Jack for his loyalty to Ford and its racing program for the past 40 years with our Spirit of Ford Award.

“The Spirit of Ford Award is Ford’s highest honor in racing, given for lifetime achievement both on and off the race track.

“His name joins a tremendous group that includes people like Jackie Stewart, Jim Clark, Ned Jarrett, The France family, the Wood Brothers, Bob Glidden, Dan Gurney, Mario Andretti, Bud Moore and even more.

“His accomplishments speak for themselves. His loyalty to Ford, in this day and age, mean more than you know.

“So let’s have a round of applause for the latest Spirit of Ford Award winner— Mr. Jack Roush.”