Trap Talk From The Back Fence

Episode: From Funny Cars to Trap Shooting to Barrel Work: Robert Hight Trap Talk E155
Date: December 19, 2025
Host(s): Zach Nannini (B), Richard "Ricky" Marshall Jr. (A)
Guest: Robert Hight (C), 3x Funny Car Champion turned Trap Shooter & Barrel Specialist

Episode Overview

This episode spotlights the remarkable career journey of Robert Hight: from his legendary run as a Funny Car drag racer to his resurgence in the world of trap shooting and his new role carrying on the Wilkinson barrel legacy. Hosts Zach and Ricky guide listeners through Robert’s transition, discussing the mechanics, pressure, and mindset of racing versus trap shooting, as well as deep technical insights about shotgun barrel customization and performance.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Robert Hight’s Background: From California Range to Drag Racing Stardom

• Early Shooting Years: Robert started trap shooting as a youth in Northern California, primarily shooting PITA events in the 1980s (01:11).
• Career Focus Shift: College and then a 32-year professional racing career pulled him away—but he always returned to shooting when possible, especially at the Grand American.
  • “Life gets in the way... I never shot great because I didn’t get to do it a lot, I was so focused on racing.” (02:30)
• Post-Retirement Return: Now retired from racing, Robert is back “shooting hard” and reconnecting with the trap community.

2. Racing Career Highlights: Life at 300+ MPH

• Legacy Achievements: 3-time NHRA Funny Car Champion; 65 "Wally" wins—the prestigious event trophy—third most all-time (04:07).
• Peak Moments: Discusses what it’s like racing with immense pressure:

  “When you’re on a race team, you’ve got a lot of guys that have prepared a perfect race car for you... that adds a little bit to the pressure.” (04:48)

• Team Dynamics: Most of his years were spent with crew chief Jimmy Prock; stressed the difference between individual and team sports pressure (06:59).
• Explanation of "Funny Cars":
  • Shorter wheelbase than dragsters, 12,000+ horsepower, “0 to 100 mph in less than a second... It happens in a hurry, but there’s a lot goes on in 3.7 seconds.” (07:44)
• Thrill and Danger: “Funny car, you have the engine in front of you, it’s more dangerous because those things do blow up from time to time... I don’t have to worry about my shotgun blowing up, especially if I do the work right.” (10:49)

3. Transition Back to Shooting: Crossover Lessons and Contrasts

• Pressure and Process: While both sports demand focus and routine, the skill sets aren’t directly transferable.
  • “It really doesn't [translate]. It should, but it doesn’t.” (14:30)
• Preparation and Routine: Describes the importance of process both in racing and shooting.
  • “You have to do the same thing every single run. So all that kept my mind occupied… you don’t have time to be nervous.” (16:02)
• Vision and Perception:
  • “You can slow a target down with your eyes. And that’s the same with driving a race car.” (18:36)
  • Looks “way down the racetrack” and relies heavily on peripheral vision and feel to keep the car centered at over 300 mph (19:04).

4. Technical Insights: Barrel Work & The Wilkinson Legacy

• Acquiring Wilkinson’s Business: Robert and his wife Leslie purchased the famous Wilkinson barrel shop. He trained under Tom Wilkinson himself, learning the detailed craft.
  • “He’s a perfectionist... I have huge shoes to fill.” (29:01)
• Technical Process Explained:
  • Backboring: Straightening and widening barrel bores to reduce friction and improve pattern efficiency.
  • Choke Tuning: Custom-machining chokes for optimal pattern density and uniformity. “It’s all about pattern efficiency... having the correct length choke and bore size... will produce a better pattern.” (35:41)
  • Shell Quality: Emphasized using hard, high-antimony shot for best results:

    “If it deforms, it’s not going to fly straight.” (37:21)

  • Choke & Bore Technicalities:
    • Polishing and honing for smoothness.
    • Tailoring choke constriction to conditions: “Higher elevations open up a little bit... you need to tighten that choke in thick, humid air.” (47:04)
• Customer Experience:
  • Quick turnaround—Robert schedules drops so downtime is minimized (57:30).
  • Maintains Wilkinson tradition of quality and customer service.

5. Choke Tube and Ammo Recommendations

• Universal Recommendations (48:07):
  • Singles: 25 thousandths (IM)
  • Doubles: 15 (first shot) & 25 (second shot)
  • Handicap: 35 (full choke)
  • For all-conditions, a 35k choke is the “do-it-all” option.
• Ammo & Elevation Considerations:
  • Air density affects patterns—shooters should adjust choke tighter for sea level (humid) and open up for high elevation (dry/thin) (44:52).
  • Use harder shot, especially at longer distances; “put quality in, you’re going to get quality out.” (62:57)
• Shot Size:
  • “Eight [shot] is fine at high elevations, but for thick, humid air, you want a 7.5.”
  • Mix as conditions change (64:47).

6. Running the Business: Shotgun Works

• Services: Precision barrel work for trap, skeet, sporting, and hunting applications (referencing limitations with hard-chrome-lined barrels—can’t modify those).
• Products: Choke tubes, hats, shirts, towels, pins for scores (e.g., 100 straight), all available on the website.
• Recognition: Featuring shooters who have won with their barrels (“Top Guns” posts).
• Team Dynamic: Leslie Hight heads up marketing and social—“we make a great team” (51:57).

Notable Quotes

“When you’re on a race team, you’ve got a lot of guys that have prepared a perfect race car for you... that adds a little bit to the pressure.”
— Robert Hight (04:48)

“You can slow a target down with your eyes. You can get them in the right spot, you can slow a target down. That’s the same with driving a race car.”
— Robert Hight (18:36)

“It really doesn’t [translate]. It should, but it doesn’t.”
— Robert Hight on racing skills helping in trap shooting (14:30)

“Backboring will actually increase the velocity... the number one thing for patterns is shooting shotgun shells with a high antimony shot—hard shot.”
— Robert Hight (37:21)

“The best compliment I could ever get is somebody to say that the barrel I did shoots just like what Tommy [Wilkinson] did.”
— Robert Hight (66:32)

Key Timestamps

• 00:43 – Ricky introduces Robert and his origins in trap shooting
• 02:30 – Robert describes his entry into trap, racing taking over his life
• 04:07 – Funny car career stats and “Wally” trophy explanation
• 07:44 – Robert’s technical description of Funny Cars and the pressure of driving
• 13:00 – Comparing reflexes/mental approach in racing vs. trap
• 14:30 – On performance pressure and mental carryover between sports
• 16:02 – On routines and process in racing/shooting
• 18:36 – Vision and slowing perception in both racing and shooting
• 29:01 – Acquiring Wilkinson’s business and learning about barrel work
• 35:41 – Deep technical dive into backboring/choke work/pattern efficiency
• 47:04 – Choke selection by elevation & humidity
• 53:24 – Shotgun Works service and product offerings
• 57:30 – Customer service approach: quick turnaround, communication, scheduling
• 64:47 – Shot size recommendations and adaptation for air density
• 66:32 – Appreciation for Wilkinson, the tradition, and Robert’s team

Memorable Moments

• Ricky’s Recollection of Learning Robert’s Fame: Didn’t realize “Robert” the trap shooter was actually a drag racing legend (05:44).
• Ricky’s “Champions Hat” Story: Treasured a winner’s circle hat for his son after a race with Robert—“not for sale!” (10:05)
• Discussion of Pressure: Comparing missing a trap target (“affects you”) with carrying a team’s hopes in racing (04:48)
• Barrel Arrives "Like New": Ricky exclaims at the pristine condition and mirror shine after Robert’s work: “I didn’t even want to shoot it.” (40:26)
• Pins for 100 Straight: Shotgun Works makes commemorative pins for milestones—Ricky showcases his singles and doubles pins (52:00)

Closing Thoughts

Robert Hight’s story embodies the intersection of high-level competition, technical mastery, and lifelong passion—first as a pioneering driver, now as a sought-after craftsman in shotgun barrel work. His partnership with Leslie, reverence for the Wilkinson legacy, and emphasis on community illustrate what makes trapshooting special: camaraderie, self-improvement, and the thrill of striving for greatness.

Contact & Info:

• Shotgunworksinc.com
• Order forms, FAQs, and direct contact info for barrel/choke services

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