Jack Roush on Oil Dependence, America, and Propane Fuel

People think about me a lot of different ways. Of course, to many I am a racing guy. To others I am a hot rod guy. Around Detroit, I am an engineering guy. To some I’m a Mustang guy.

Truthfully, I’m just an American guy. I love this country…the history and the sacrifices made in building the greatest country in the world. I’ve enjoyed restoring and flying WWII airplanes, especially the P-51, and recognize that without the patriots defending our freedoms around the world life today would be very different.

So, while I'm compelled to discuss the virtues of the new ROUSH dedicated propane fuel system, I can’t help but offer my thoughts on how critical I feel it is that Americans adopt alternative fuel technologies.

I clearly see the necessity to wean ourselves off foreign oil. As Americans, we have a history of evolving and changing to fit the needs of the times. One of the needs we have today is incorporating alternative engine fuels into our lifestyle. The moves that we collectively make now will define our legacy. Our grandchildren should not be held financial victims of our generation’s indecision.

There are millions of dollars being spent developing alternative fuel programs. The problem is that many of these projects may be years before they are commercially available, if ever. My automotive products team, in partnership with the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), has been working on an alternative fuel program for several years now. And, our dedicated propane fuel system technology is ready for the market right now.

There are a lot of reasons it makes sense to use propane as an alternative fuel. Propane is an American fuel, 90 percent produced and stored domestically by American workers. Another seven percent comes from our friends in Canada. Using propane as an engine fuel not only puts food on the table for a lot of people here at home, it could potentially put a big dent in our use of imported petroleum.

Propane is also a clean fuel. Approved by the Environmental Protection Agency as a clean alternative fuel, propane also performs better than many other fuels with respect to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Propane's on-site emissions have lower carbon content than gasoline, diesel, heavy fuel oil, and ethanol.

In simpler terms, propane burns cleaner – up to 20 percent less nitrogen oxides, up to 60 percent less carbon monoxide, and fewer particulate emissions than a comparable gasoline engine.

We’ve spent several years making the ROUSH dedicated propane system for the Ford F-150/250/350 and E-150/250/350 as consistent a performer as possible. I’m proud that our system maintains the same factory horsepower and torque ratings while providing fleet customers a reliable dedicated alternative fuel system. After all, these vehicles are used as tools of commerce, and at ROUSH the intention is to keep the tools working as designed.

Propane is already the third most widely-used engine fuel today, powering more than 10 million vehicles globally. The operating costs of propane are typically between five and 30 percent less than gasoline or diesel, and as an alternate fuel, the purchase of propane-powered vehicles is eligible for a variety of federal, state, and municipal tax credits or rebates. In fact, right now fleets can also qualify for a 50 cent-per-gallon fuel credit.

Over the course of American manufacturing, the companies that survive are the ones that are able adapt to a changing environment and are willing to break from the norm. If you are like me with these thoughts, I’d encourage you to let our team show you the ROUSH propane fuel system.

Jack Roush is team owner and CEO of ROUSH Racing and is Chairman of the Board of ROUSH Enterprises, the parent company to ROUSH Racing, ROUSH Industries, ROUSH Performance, and ROUSH Manufacturing.