Roush Racing: Driver X
| Roush Racing: Driver X | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Auto racing |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 13 |
| Production | |
| Production company | Brainbox Entertainment |
| Original release | |
| Network | Discovery Channel |
| Release | October 24, 2005 – February 6, 2006 |
Roush Racing: Driver X was a television show on the
Roush Racing: Driver X was produced for Discovery Channel by Brainbox Entertainment.
Background
For many years, Roush Racing recruited its developmental drivers through an elimination style of testing entitled The Gong Show. The first competition was held in 1985 for Roush's road racing program.[1][2] The first combine for the stock car program was held in 1999.[1][3][4][5] The process would begin when Roush solicited applications from thousands of drivers from all levels or racing. They would then put through a series of tests, gauging not only driving skills, but also public relations talent and personality traits. Eventually, the field would be narrowed down to an elite group who are allowed to race Roush vehicles, often Truck Series vehicles, in an attempt to assess driving ability. Those with the fastest times progress, and ultimately the best drivers are awarded with a contract to drive for Roush in the Truck Series or Busch Series (now Xfinity Series).[3][4] Winners of the program include Kurt Busch, Carl Edwards and David Ragan.[1][3][4]
The term "Gong Show" comes from the 1970s talent show spoof "The Gong Show."[4]
2005 competition
In 2005, the process was documented in the
Drivers
|
Results and other development deals
The 2005 winner was Erik Darnell, who won a full-time ride in the NASCAR
Pete Shepherd was signed to a driver development deal with Roush Racing, running in the ARCA RE/MAX Series in 2006.
Previous Gong Show winners
| Year | Winner | Runner(s) Up |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Todd Kluever | Auggie Vidovich II, Clay Rogers, Michael Pickens, Nate Monteith, Wade Day, Jason Boyd, Dustin Skinner, Josh Krug, Jason Hogan, Chris Bristol, Morty Buckles[1][4]
|
| 2002 | Carl Edwards | |
| 2000 | Chuck Hossfeld and Nathan Haseleu[8] | Scott Riggs, Timothy Peters[9][10] |
| 1999 | Kurt Busch | Jon Wood[4][11] |
References
- ^ a b c d e Crandall, Kelly (September 27, 2008). "Jack Roush's Eye and Drive for Talent". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 28 November 2015.
- ^ "Max Jones: Biography" (PDF). www.transamcars.com/. Retrieved 29 November 2015.
- ^ a b c d Spencer, Lee (June 4, 2015). "Roush racers settle Dover differences in team meeting". motorsport.com. Retrieved 28 November 2015.
- ^ a b c d e f g Zeller, Bob (April 2005). "The Gong Show: In which Jack Roush conducts the most democratic driver selection in American racing". Car and Driver. Retrieved 28 November 2015.
- Stock Car Racing. Archived from the originalon 8 December 2015. Retrieved 29 November 2015.
- Roush Racing. July 27, 2005. Archived from the originalon 2006-06-19. Retrieved 29 November 2015.
- ^ Roush Racing (February 22, 2006). "BUSCH: Roush Racing Driver X update". motorsport.com. Retrieved 8 December 2015.
- ^ "Busch Steps In As Teacher". West Allis, Wisconsin: Motor Racing Network. June 30, 2001. Archived from the original on 22 December 2015. Retrieved 29 November 2015.
- ^ "NASCAR Camping World Trucks Hossfeld Out At Roush". Motor Racing Network. July 10, 2001. Archived from the original on 22 December 2015. Retrieved 8 December 2015.
- ^ "Roush truck audition at Las Vegas". Las Vegas: motorsport.com. September 28, 2009. Retrieved 8 December 2015.
- ^ "'Gong Show' winner set to replace Martin". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Associated Press. April 15, 2006. Retrieved 29 November 2015.[permanent dead link]