Roush Fenway marriage comes full circle at ballpark (cont'd)

"This is very cool," Henry said. "It's sort of the culmination of three and a half years of working and putting this partnership together in a way that makes sense."

Despite Edwards' consternation about how his pitch was going to look, Henry could agree on only half of the driver's analogy: as far as his new venture into NASCAR is concerned, he fully intends to bring the heat -- but seems certain that it won't be ugly or wallow in the dirt, unless he decides to start investing in dirt tracks as well.

AP

Carl Edwards

To walk into the rarefied air that not only envelopes Fenway Park but permeates the air for city blocks all around it on Red Sox game days is to suck in mouthfuls of pure energy and excitement. The rich, delicious aroma of a variety of grilled meats -- hot dogs are only one item on the menu these days -- are merely a bonus.

Everywhere one ventures, fans are talking baseball. They talk it on the street outside the park, and they talk it in establishments such as the Boston Beer Works and Who's On First?

Street vendors hawk not only the variety of aforementioned foods and beverages, but T-shirts disparaging the hated New York Yankees in many creative, cruel and usually vulgar ways. Somebody must buy them, but at every turn Friday night it seemed another fan was spotted wearing the Red Sox jerseys of Big Papi, Curt Schilling, Jason Varitek or one of their other own heroes.

It can be, in a word, overwhelming. And on this night, it brings up the question: What exactly does racing have to do with all this? Isn't it a strange marriage?

Roush and Henry are quick to say no, and then tell naysayers why. And the crux of their reasoning can be found right within the pixie dust that is Fenway Park.

"It's magical here every night," Henry said with a wave of his hand. "We've had 350 straight sellouts. You can just see it. You can feel it. Every night, no matter who we play, whether it's a last-place team or the Yankees, there is magic in the air.

"Having NASCAR here, it just becomes part of that excitement. I think people underestimate the amount of racing fans up here in New England -- because you see Loudon [where Bahre's track is located in New Hampshire] sells out all the time. They've sold out, what, 20 straight races or something?"

Actually, they have sold out 25 consecutive races at NHIS, further validating Henry's point.

Roush later indicated that visiting Fenway actually came close to being a religious experience for him. He also said it only confirmed the belief he already had that his new business partnership makes perfect sense for both parties.

"It was amazing to be in Fenway Park, with all of the mystique and all of the history and prestige that goes with this ballpark and the things that happened within these hallowed walls," Roush said. "I expected a number of opportunities to open up that would change the dimension of our race team and maybe the whole sport by having John and his representation from Major League Baseball involved -- but I really hadn't thought it would get that personal. I didn't think I would be as moved as much as I was."

What's the deal?

The perception when the partnership between the organizations of Henry and Roush was announced was Roush, upset at all the dollars being thrown at Nextel Cup racing by new Cup manufacturer entry Toyota, needed the Fenway Group to provide a quick infusion of cash and prop up his operation.

Truth is, and Henry is willing to admit it, Fenway Group ultimately felt it needed Roush Racing to help it grow at least as much as Roush needed Fenway Group. And it all comes down to money. Doesn't it always? (Continued)