When I started, there weren't any wheel radios... so it had to be stick. I quickly converted the old Futaba wheel/box and it was much easier for me to drive. Then I bought the original KO EX1 and used it for many years...
For those that don't know about the wheel/box, you put your hand around the back to hold it and there was a slider on the side for throttle, here's a photo for you:
The Futaba badged radio was more of a tan/gold color but it was the same as this.