Nitro Charger after it's move to the U.S. and then to California with "Waist Gunner Racing".
Why Waist Gunner Racing?
The B-17 in the corner of the pages should lend some explanation to our name. There are several people that have or are making this (ad)venture possible. My father, Miles C. Stuckey is the first. As a young man he joined the Army Air Corps and on occasion flew the waist gunner position on a B-17 during the Japan occupation. Prior to his passing he had the time of his life to once again fly on a B-17. Remembering this, I had to come up with a name that would keep these memories alive. Shortly after his cancer diagnosis we had several uncomfortable discussions. In one such discussion he asked if I had it (life) to do over again what would I do. After the usual back and forth he asked what would it be - anything what would it be. Really - the only thing I haven't done that I wanted to as I grew up - was be involved with a fuel team or drive a funny car. In my teens I would spend my days at all the usual So.Cal tracks dawn to long after dark. It was unfortunate my father did not get to share this time with me as he seemed to always be working. We also had discussions on communicating after death and after death in general. Whew - and it even goes further, ask me in the pit sometime when you have a few hours. I truly believe the nitro gods conspired with a couple of rookie angels to put this deal together.
Pre California Nitro Charger
Here is a link to a good summer story. The second owner, Rocky Pirrone went nitro racing.
http://www.draglist.com/stories/SOD%20Aug%202001/SOD-080301.htm.
Rocky Pirrone is another person that has made this (ad)venture possible. For those that do not know Rocky, he has been involved with drag racing since before he was born. I stumbled across the Nitro Charger for sale on the internet and checked it daily. After what seemed to be months, I finally got the nerve to send Rocky an e-mail. He responded with his phone number and a brief message - call me. Again, it took a looonnggg time. We had a short conversation in which Rocky mentioned several names of people involved with funny cars on the West coast and why he was selling the Nitro Charger. We conversed over the phone or by e mail for close to nine months. I kept telling myself if this is supposed to happen - it will. Finally in early 2004, Rocky called and said it's yours if you want it. I think every emotion in the dictionary raced through my mind along with all the discussions I had with my father. Thanks Rocky
California Crew
The important people so far in this (ad)venture are only half of the equation in the formation of our fuel team. With this monster in the garage I kept asking myself - now what. There were a couple of things I knew I wanted to change with the car so after talking with a few people I headed across town to Rex Hutchinson's shop. I stood around awhile asking questions and eventually - said what the hell have I gotten myself into. I finally brought in the heads for the typical crack repair and the block for a check out. I could never remember the person that initially started helping me, so I asked for the "tall Guy". He walks out and says Heemie parts - whatchya makin. I sheepishly replied - a nitro funny car. The "tall guy" is Stephen Knight. After visiting the shop nearly every Friday for three months, Stephen asked if he could help make my dream come true. I guess he realized I was serious or this could be interesting or he just really likes nitro racing. Stephen has been instrumental in moving this project along. He has been the precision machinist, fabricator, assembler, etc. etc. Stephen also had early exposure to nitro, he too spent countless days at the drag strip as he grew up. Stephen's previous nitro stint was on the crew of the Foothill Flyer dragster with the F.M.A.. Stephen has basically put his life on hold in order to concentrate on the Nitro Charger and go nitro racing again. Thanks Stephen.
