Longtime Super Stock Hemi standout Charlie Westcott is the proud new owner of the Ford Pro Stock team of the late Jim Cunningham. This news, coming fresh on the heels of Ford’s only other representative in the factory hot rod class, Larry Morgan, announcing that he is parking his Mustang, gives the Blue Oval fans a glimmer of hope for their brand of choice in Pro Stock, though early reports are that Westcott only has plans to attend a handful of events in 2015.
Said Westcott of his endeavour [on ClassRacer.com], “People keep saying that the Ford is not a good engine. They dont know what they’re talking about. The heads are the same as the Dodge, the block is the same except the cam location is higher in the Ford. The problem is (in my opinion) not the parts.”
According to information gleaned from Westcott, he acquired seven block and 40 heads in the acquisition of Cunningham’s operation, though it’s not clear at this time what else may have been included. It’s safe to assume that the operation is nearly-complete, as Westcott isn’t likely to simply show up, but will expect to be competitive in the quickest naturally aspirated class under the NHRA’s sanction. Westcott does have many years of experience as a record-setting engine builder under his belt, plus the ability to design and manufacture his own camshafts, intakes, pistons, and even blocks if needed, which will help him out with the exorbitant overhead associated with buying components to run up front.
Whether or not Charlie will be able to carry over his expertise from the Super Stock Hemi world, which many believe to be every bit as cut-throat as Pro Stock, into the professional ranks remains to be seen, but knowing his reputation as a “do-what-it-takes-to-win” competitor, betting against him is probably not a wise move.