Roush-Yates Engines to Support Engine Program for USAC Ford Focus Midget Racing Progr
 

Written by: SPEED Staff
SPEEDtv.com
Date: 04/23/2008 - 02:19 PM
Location: Dearborn, Mich.

Roush-Yates Engines will be the new sole authorized engine rebuilder for the USAC Ford Focus Midget Series, as announced today by Ford Racing Technology today.

Instituting Roush-Yates Racing Engines as the authorized rebuilder for the Ford engines powering the series reinforces Ford Racing’s commitment to the series and to providing competitors world-class quality and service.

“When we approached Doug Yates and his team at Roush-Yates Racing Engines with this opportunity they jumped at the chance to get involved,” said Dan Davis, director, Ford Racing Technology. “It was an easy decision for us – they are the best in the business and have the resources to provide the best possible product to the series, and together, this puts us in a great position to manage the growth of the series.”

“This will give us a tremendous opportunity to expand as well as further our involvement in racing,” said Jon Giles, general manager of special projects for Roush-Yates Engines. “It puts us a step closer to becoming the complete source for Ford Racing engines.”

“To have Roush-Yates Engines as our engine rebuilder will elevate our Ford Focus program to the level of integrity and consistency it commands,” said USAC President/CEO Kevin Miller. “We look forward to continued expansion of the Ford Focus program which has, in six short years, graduated to one of the most productive driver development programs in the history of motorsports.”

Roush-Yates Engines has been working hard to understand the needs of the USAC Focus Midget Series competitors and will first focus on ensuring the engine rebuild service is available to competitors. Rebuilds on the 2.0L Ford ZETEC engines used in the series will consist of a long block swap during the first phase of the program and cost $3995.00.

“With the series growth and the plans for further expansion, it was necessary to make the engine supplier change,” said Davis. “SCREAM has helped get the series to where it is today, but it became evident that a new partner such as RYE was needed to build for the future.”

“It’s a good stepping stone for us to get in and work with the folks at USAC,” said Giles. “This program will provide opportunities for us further down the road to do more projects with them and possibly provide engines for other USAC series.”

The process for developing complete engines is still being developed, but Roush-Yates Engines can take inquiries about rebuild services by email at specialprojects@roushyates.com.

Roush-Yates Engines currently develops and builds Ford Racing engines for NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Craftsman Truck competition. In addition, it is now developing and building the powerplants for Ford entries in the Grand-Am Daytona Prototype and KONI Challenge sports car series.

The Ford Focus Midget racing program is entering its seventh season of competition. The program, which culminates in the crowning of a National Champion and the presentation of the Henry Ford Sweepstakes Trophy, has witnessed more than 400 events since its debut in 2002, and in 2008 will include regional championships in Indiana, California (2), Utah, the Northeast, the Midwest and under USAC/UMARA auspices.

Re: Roush-Yates Engines to Support Engine Program for USAC Ford Focus Midget Racing P
 

To be fair, there would be no program if it weren't for Keith Iaia(Scream). It was mainly his deal and if Open-Wheel readers remember, he started trying to work with Honda and their platform.

Roush/Yates will most likely make it an easier program to work with.

Too this day I am not a big fan of the series. I still believe that for it to truely be a low cost alternative, they should offer a engine kit package(Injectors,pan,clutch, etc..)and charge a seal/inspection fee for those who choose to get a used one and build their own. That's just me though.

Most people forget that Yates was very involved with the Ford midget motor program when Page Jones originated it with Vesco.

Re: Roush-Yates Engines to Support Engine Program for USAC Ford Focus Midget Racing P
 

will the new motor cost the same, or will they raise the prices on us?

will it still be legal to run the old motor, and will it be competative?

just a few things to keep in mind...

Mitch

Re: Roush-Yates Engines to Support Engine Program for USAC Ford Focus Midget Racing P
 

I could be wrong but I'll just bet this move benefits SCREAM more than it does Roush.

Volume is down and has been for ages and gets him out the pressure of trying to keep this portion of his business afloat.

On the other hand...unless Mr. Miller and Mr. Smith have something cooking none of us are aware of which very well could be the case depending on what Roush's ideas are for volume of sales in this division they are in for a surprise.

I hope I am wrong.

Re: Roush-Yates Engines to Support Engine Program for USAC Ford Focus Midget Racing P
 

Originally Posted by LEADERS EDGE:
To be fair, there would be no program if it weren't for Keith Iaia(Scream). It was mainly his deal and if Open-Wheel readers remember, he started trying to work with Honda and their platform.

Were there problems with SCREAM or did he want out?

Re: Roush-Yates Engines to Support Engine Program for USAC Ford Focus Midget Racing P
 

I don't think there were any problems with Scream.

The engines are very dependable and the Series is not a rocket ship.

It more like a dying elephant, which nobody can forget so it survives
the test of time and carries on. Every once in a while somebody
sees an elephant and get interested. It might make the news or
tv. But in the long run it doesn't die it just sort of hangs on and
is tested with time.

Sincerely,

Larry "O":D