Wildcat

Wildcat is the 7th car added to the fleet, in our Texas Chapter. This car is named in honor of Corporal Nick Dieruff USMC. Corporal Dieruff was Killed in Action on 8 April 2004 in Anbar Province, Iraq while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Nick was a native of Lexington, KY, home of the University of Kentucky “Wildcats” so we chose this name, and the UK White and Blue color scheme as a way to honor his Kentucky heritage and legacy. An active member of our Texas Chapter, Major Wes Prater USMC (Ret), had the solemn duty of serving as the Casualty Officer for Nick and his family so this is an especially meaningful dedication for all of us a BSM. Nick was serving with the 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force out of Camp Pendleton, CA. The primary weapon system of the 1st LAR Btn is the LAV-25 Light Armored Vehicle armed with the M242 (25mm) Bushmaster Chain Gun. The “Wildcat” wears number 242 in reference to the weapon system Nick was fighting with when he made the ultimate sacrifice for his Country, and all of us. Thank you Nick for your service and your sacrifice, may you always be with us as we honor you!

Wildcat has been retired as a result of an unfortunate racing incident at Hallet Motor Speedway in May 2023 – we wrecked her! Betty is replacing Wildcat in the BSM Fleet in 2024!