Birkhofer officially retired per Facebook

[Shiny Side Up 18]

It looks like Birky is done. From Alissa: "FINAL POST: Brian no longer wants to drive a race car on any level. We would like to thank all of the sponsors and fans for the support you've shown over the past nearly 30 years Brian spent behind the wheel. Stay safe in this heat!" As a relatively new fan, I didn't get to see him race very many times, but I know he would have been one of my favorites had I come along sooner.

[THE SWAMI]

Bret Farve,decided one day that he no longer wanted to throw a football! Now we all know the rest of the story.

[CrankedUp90]

She wears the pants.. #freebirky

[cardshark21]

It looks like Birky is done. From Alissa: "FINAL POST: Brian no longer wants to drive a race car on any level. We would like to thank all of the sponsors and fans for the support you've shown over the past nearly 30 years Brian spent behind the wheel. Stay safe in this heat!" As a relatively new fan, I didn't get to see him race very many times, but I know he would have been one of my favorites had I come along sooner.

This is all about results, he had little this season so end of story. Who wants to support a has been? He should have stayed retired, another racer who doesn't want to spend his own money and dedicate his time to racing. Those days of just showing up and going fast are gone. 100 percent commitment or stay home. Not a good way to leave the sport when you can't even compete with the locals...

[old fan]

What do you call Shirley lol

[MUD MAESTRO]

Alright......Enough of this crap. Brian Birkhofer has been a one of the best ever. The cost of being a front runner is staggering. He was always blessed with great sponsors but unfortunately it was not enough for today's high cost of the sport......Birky has been a favorite of mine for a long time, what memories over the years. I wish him and his family the best, the sport won't be the same without him.

[chupp n bloomer fan]

Alright......Enough of this crap. Brian Birkhofer has been a one of the best ever. The cost of being a front runner is staggering. He was always blessed with great sponsors but unfortunately it was not enough for today's high cost of the sport......Birky has been a favorite of mine for a long time, what memories over the years. I wish him and his family the best, the sport won't be the same without him.Very well said.

[chupp n bloomer fan]

This is all about results, he had little this season so end of story. Who wants to support a has been? He should have stayed retired, another racer who doesn't want to spend his own money and dedicate his time to racing. Those days of just showing up and going fast are gone. 100 percent commitment or stay home. Not a good way to leave the sport when you can't even compete with the locals...Yeah it was about results. But if his heart wasn't in it, then it was time to step away. I'm guessing he wanted to see if it was still in his heart, Justin Kay and Gheer gave him a shot, and he just wasn't up to it. I'm pretty sure he knows exactly what it takes to be good. He was one of the best. And a cool dude.

[chupp n bloomer fan]

Bret Farve,decided one day that he no longer wanted to throw a football! Now we all know the rest of the story.Long as Birky doesn't start sending out d!ck pics, we're good;).

[schlieperfan9]

What do you call Shirley lol

I would call Shirley a grateful racer who lets everyone know during the post race interviews how appreciative he is of his opportunity with Bob Cullen and Arnie Ranta. He seized the chance to run with the WoOs and is having a good year.

Looks to me like Birky didn't put his heart and soul into the deal with Kay and Gheer. Staying retired is probably best for him, anything less then 100% effort doesn't work these days.

Shirley is getting ready for this years Dream, Birky can only Dream about it.

[kidrock]

I would call Shirley a grateful racer who lets everyone know during the post race interviews how appreciative he is of his opportunity with Bob Cullen and Arnie Ranta. He seized the chance to run with the WoOs and is having a good year.

Looks to me like Birky didn't put his heart and soul into the deal with Kay and Gheer. Staying retired is probably best for him, anything less then 100% effort doesn't work these days.

Shirley is getting ready for this years Dream, Birky can only Dream about it.

Spot on with your comments about Shirly. He is just thankful for the opportunity and you can hear in every interview he does.

Can't speak about Birky but, it is pretty hard if your just a part time racer at the Woo or Lucas series.

[Rich Riedesel]

Truth of the matter is, Brian won't just show up and drive; it's not in his blood. He's got a good business going with a ton less pressure than racing full time and getting a car set up to his liking takes too much time away from work. If you think he can't set up a car, Justin Kay took the car that Brian reworked, put an IMCA legal motor in it, and won the feature at Davenport Ia. last night from way back (13th?) after putting a half lap on the field. This is arguably about the toughest weekly field in IMCA. Some race far longer than they should; I feel that Brian needed this to realize that his "family first" decision was the right one.

[TackyTracker]

he will be missed

[Bumpandrun]

I think Brian has his way of doing things, and there just wasn't enough time to make the effort worthwhile. Being from Iowa, I am proud of what Brian accomplished as a stock car driver. It was always great to go watch Brian race whenever he was racing in the Midwest. Every good thing eventually comes to an end. I spent many years as a kid watching his dad Dave race and I am sure he made his dad proud. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but Brian did it his way, and was successful at what he did. Good luck Brian.

[PennDirt]

#freebirky

Post of the Year Candidate: Levity Division.

http://i.imgur.com/GHVQAXB.gif

[Highside Hustler25]

Alright......Enough of this crap. Brian Birkhofer has been a one of the best ever. The cost of being a front runner is staggering. He was always blessed with great sponsors but unfortunately it was not enough for today's high cost of the sport......Birky has been a favorite of mine for a long time, what memories over the years. I wish him and his family the best, the sport won't be the same without him.

Well said Mud. My memories of Birky will always be topped off with his final win at Knoxville. That and pinching Bloomer at the line for that big Eldora win.
Thanks to the craziest and wackiest nut to ever pilot a dirt late model.


he will be missed

Indeed He will.


http://www.4m.net/images/attach/jpg.gif

[justadirtLMfan]

This is all about results, he had little this season so end of story. Who wants to support a has been? He should have stayed retired, another racer who doesn't want to spend his own money and dedicate his time to racing. Those days of just showing up and going fast are gone. 100 percent commitment or stay home. Not a good way to leave the sport when you can't even compete with the locals...You have not a clue what happened this season with him and the new team he was driving for, or his personal life. To call a man who won on the big stage many of times and won Knoxville just the other year "a has been", proves that you are a clueless person.

[plunks7]

Truth of the matter is, Brian won't just show up and drive; it's not in his blood. He's got a good business going with a ton less pressure than racing full time and getting a car set up to his liking takes too much time away from work. If you think he can't set up a car, Justin Kay took the car that Brian reworked, put an IMCA legal motor in it, and won the feature at Davenport Ia. last night from way back (13th?) after putting a half lap on the field. This is arguably about the toughest weekly field in IMCA. Some race far longer than they should; I feel that Brian needed this to realize that his "family first" decision was the right one.

Kay almost always starts around that position weekly. And wins constantly with his own Team. Justin's crew can certainly get the job done them selves. They need no help in IMCA!!!!! And no it is not the toughest field in IMCA. Brian sure couldn't figure out the Gheerd-up cars. He changed everything on them, to what he used to race. Didn't work did it? If he would have listen to the builder he would've had better results!!!!!! Thanks Brian for the memories. Will always remember them.

[kidrock]

I thought when he retired he was going to keep a car? Did he eventualy sell that car too

[huskerdirt]

I thought when he retired he was going to keep a car? Did he eventualy sell that car too

The hauler and one car went to Larry Farris from Nevada Missouri. I know it was races a couple of times.

The other car went to Jason Rauen. Then sold again.... like just about everything else he acquires.

[plunks7]

The hauler and one car went to Larry Farris from Nevada Missouri. I know it was races a couple of times.

The other car went to Jason Rauen. Then sold again.... like just about everything else he acquires.

LMFAO!!!!!! And its true.

[waaac77]

Post of the Year Candidate: Levity Division.

http://i.imgur.com/GHVQAXB.gif

Not sure why women always think they can change men. Really not sure why men put up with that bs. The guy obviously wants to race again but the wife(mommy) won't let him.

It's too bad. He would've went down as one of the greats, never forgotten, a legend.

#YokoOno

[chupp n bloomer fan]

Not sure why women always think they can change men. Really not sure why men put up with that bs. The guy obviously wants to race again but the wife(mommy) won't let him.

It's too bad. He would've went down as one of the greats, never forgotten, a legend.

#YokoOnoHave you talked to Birky personally to know that this was her decision and not his? Neither of us knows for sure. But he raced for 20+ years kickin a$$, his kids were getting older, and he said himself multiple times, he wanted to spend more time with them and the grind of racing was just getting old. So I think we can gather it was just as much his decision as hers. And a relationship is 50/50. It was obvious his heart wasn't in it, ran so so, made mistakes he never made. It's not like he's the only one to walk away during his prime. Brady Smith, Bart Hartman, and I'm sure there's others, who just said fuk it.

Professional athletes are doing it too. Just realizing there's more to life than just racing, football, basketball, baseball, etc. Wanting to be with their families and do other things in life. Instead of the grind of their jobs. And they are lucky enough to do so, and have that option. That most of us don't really have. I mean you can always change, but most of us know the pastures probably aren't greener elsewhere.

[kidrock]

Have you talked to Birky personally to know that this was her decision and not his? Neither of us knows for sure. But he raced for 20+ years kickin a$$, his kids were getting older, and he said himself multiple times, he wanted to spend more time with them and the grind of racing was just getting old. So I think we can gather it was just as much his decision as hers. And a relationship is 50/50. It was obvious his heart wasn't in it, ran so so, made mistakes he never made. It's not like he's the only one to walk away during his prime. Brady Smith, Bart Hartman, and I'm sure there's others, who just said fuk it.

Professional athletes are doing it too. Just realizing there's more to life than just racing, football, basketball, baseball, etc. Wanting to be with their families and do other things in life. Instead of the grind of their jobs. And they are lucky enough to do so, and have that option. That most of us don't really have. I mean you can always change, but most of us know the pastures probably aren't greener elsewhere.

Very good post CBF

[a25rjr]

Have you talked to Birky personally to know that this was her decision and not his? Neither of us knows for sure. But he raced for 20+ years kickin a$$, his kids were getting older, and he said himself multiple times, he wanted to spend more time with them and the grind of racing was just getting old. So I think we can gather it was just as much his decision as hers. And a relationship is 50/50. It was obvious his heart wasn't in it, ran so so, made mistakes he never made. It's not like he's the only one to walk away during his prime. Brady Smith, Bart Hartman, and I'm sure there's others, who just said fuk it.

Professional athletes are doing it too. Just realizing there's more to life than just racing, football, basketball, baseball, etc. Wanting to be with their families and do other things in life. Instead of the grind of their jobs. And they are lucky enough to do so, and have that option. That most of us don't really have. I mean you can always change, but most of us know the pastures probably aren't greener elsewhere.

Good post.......it just goes to show ya, "if mama aint happy, aint nobody happy"!

[zyoung25]

Is he HoF worthy? I think so. He'll have to make one more appearance at a dirt track one day soon.

[chupp n bloomer fan]

I know I'm a Bloomer fan and am supposed to not like Birky, but I've never tried to fit anyone's mold. I loved Birkys personality, his charisma, way he went about things. I mean dude used to name his cars after porn stars. Lives in Iowa, loves the Steelers, I mean, just, did it his way. So I think 100% this was just him realizing I don't wanna do this sh!t anymore. I can not do it half a$$, im either 100% in, or I'm not doing it. And that's how it should be.

One of these days I should post the pics I have of him from his last World 100. I like catching the drivers in the pits, in their regular clothes. Because I can pretty much recognize them all. They are very good, they just are Birky as Birky. I have one of Madden I even like too, and I don't care for Madden.

[chupp n bloomer fan]

Is he HoF worthy? I think so. He'll have to make one more appearance at a dirt track one day soon.100% yes Zach.

[kidrock]

The hauler and one car went to Larry Farris from Nevada Missouri. I know it was races a couple of times.

The other car went to Jason Rauen. Then sold again.... like just about everything else he acquires.

Ok I thought when he first retired he said he was going to keep one car in case he wanted to run close to home a few times.

[Clayton_Wetter]

Alright......Enough of this crap. Brian Birkhofer has been a one of the best ever. The cost of being a front runner is staggering. He was always blessed with great sponsors but unfortunately it was not enough for today's high cost of the sport......Birky has been a favorite of mine for a long time, what memories over the years. I wish him and his family the best, the sport won't be the same without him.


Well, maybe just a little more crap, maybe, please, please, please!!! :)

[justadirtLMfan]

Kay almost always starts around that position weekly. And wins constantly with his own Team. Justin's crew can certainly get the job done them selves. They need no help in IMCA!!!!! And no it is not the toughest field in IMCA. Brian sure couldn't figure out the Gheerd-up cars. He changed everything on them, to what he used to race. Didn't work did it? If he would have listen to the builder he would've had better results!!!!!! Thanks Brian for the memories. Will always remember them.That team hasn't done anything in open motor. Tyson was successful in open motor when Harris was behind the wheel.

[plunks7]

Was Harris running a gheerd-up chassis? A second place finish for Kay at Davenport was nothing? Did Kay make the feature at LaSalle?

[J20in1st]

You're all idiots if you think Birky actually wants to retire.

This is nothing to do with Birky and all about Alissa

[J20in1st]

Was Harris running a gheerd-up chassis? A second place finish for Kay at Davenport was nothing? Did Kay make the feature at LaSalle?

Kay was driving at LaSalle? Hmmm

[plunks7]

You're all idiots if you think Birky actually wants to retire.

This is nothing to do with Birky and all about Alissa

Brian is married to Alissa and not any one of us. He took the vows, so why not honor them?

[chupp n bloomer fan]

You're all idiots if you think Birky actually wants to retire.

This is nothing to do with Birky and all about AlissaYou talked to Birky personally and he told you "That b!tch is making me quit"?

Doubt it. He wasn't setting the world on fire, and I've already posted my thoughts, which I guess are idiotic. Says the guy who thinks it was all his wife making this decision.;)

[plunks7]

Kay was driving at LaSalle? Hmmm

Did you happen to see the question mark????? I wasn't their.

[justadirtLMfan]

Was Harris running a gheerd-up chassis? A second place finish for Kay at Davenport was nothing? Did Kay make the feature at LaSalle?Gheerd up cars are nothing special, they get them from MasterSbilt and Tyson does little tweeks to them and calls them Gheer'd up cars. Tyson is really good at setting up cars and coming up with crazy #'s when scaling (trying new things). Harris has never driven this so called special (Gheer'd up car), he was put on the "do not sell list " because they know what Harris can do in a MasterSbilt car, yet alone any car he wheels (as long as the car owner lets Harri's crew set the car up how they want to, and that did happen), plus there is a history. They know Harris's crew chief is no joke, where do you think Tyson learned from? Harris and Tyson used to run MasterSbilt cars when Harris owned the car, and they were dominate. If they (Gheer'd up ) were a smart business, they wouldn't put drivers (there are a few) on a "do not sell to list". They tried to use Birky to sell more cars (open motor) and it backfired. Not because Birky wasn't running good, but the relationship wasn't even good to start off with. What about the Davenport race? How man wins does a Gheer'd up car have with an open motor? Kay did not run Lasalle.* let me add that when he drove for dierks, they let Harris set the car up however they wanted and look what he did. First open motor race for him last year (late in the season), he won a corn belt race and the governors cup" something Tyson was never able to do with Harris. Yeah I talk Harris up because he's a (not a nice word)(not a nice word)(not a nice word)(not a nice word) good driver. Not taking anything away from Kay and Tyson (Gheer'd up) because they are great at what they do as well. But it gets old with Gheer'd up this and that, yeah they are dominate in the IMCA work (little island in the ocean), but nothing in open motor.

[HatTrick]

Was Harris running a gheerd-up chassis? A second place finish for Kay at Davenport was nothing? Did Kay make the feature at LaSalle?Kay was not at LaSalle.
Gheerd up cars are nothing special, they get them from MasterSbilt and Tyson does little tweeks to them and calls them Gheer'd up cars. Tyson is really good at setting up cars and coming up with crazy #'s when scaling (trying new things). Harris has never driven this so called special (Gheer'd up car), he was put on the "do not sell list " because they know what Harris can do in a MasterSbilt car, yet alone any car he wheels (as long as the car owner lets Harri's crew set the car up how they want to, and that did happen), plus there is a history. They know Harris's crew chief is no joke, where do you think Tyson learned from? Harris and Tyson used to run MasterSbilt cars when Harris owned the car, and they were dominate. If they (Gheer'd up ) were a smart business, they wouldn't put drivers (there are a few) on a "do not sell to list". They tried to use Birky to sell more cars (open motor) and it backfired. Not because Birky wasn't running good, but the relationship wasn't even good to start off with. What about the Davenport race? How man wins does a Gheer'd up car have with an open motor? Kay did not run Lasalle.* let me add that when he drove for dierks, they let Harris set the car up however they wanted and look what he did. First open motor race for him last year (late in the season), he won a corn belt race and the governors cup" something Tyson was never able to do with Harris. Yeah I talk Harris up because he's a (not a nice word)(not a nice word)(not a nice word)(not a nice word) good driver. Not taking anything away from Kay and Tyson (Gheer'd up) because they are great at what they do as well. But it gets old with Gheer'd up this and that, yeah they are dominate in the IMCA work (little island in the ocean), but nothing in open motor.Little tweaks would be incorrect. They are built by Masters to Tyson's spec based loosely on an old Mastersbilt design. There is a lot more to them than just little tweaks. There are more changes Tyson wanted done that Kieth wouldn't do. Well, Brian did them to that car and you can read the Gazette's story last night for yourself where Justin says right out which car drives better! Harris was actually the very first person on the order list for a Gheer'd Up car. That was until the very next weekend when he took Kay out.

[plunks7]

HatTrick you do understand I'm trying to prove my point about Justin? He is better at running his cars than anybody period. Tyson and Justin will get things figured out sooner than later with the Gheerd-Up chassis in Open Lates. I have full confidence in their crew they will get it done.

[jpking17]

No matter how much you love doing something...if you do it long enough it can become a job...racing is no different.

[Shiny Side Up 18]

There's a new article on DOD today about Birkhofer's retirement. He says he's done. It sounds to me like it was mainly his decision.

[Madcat]

Remember the Tuxedo race suit? Thing was BadAce. Dude did his own thing and was one of the nicest guys in the sport.

[TackyTracker]

loved watching Birky race but would have rather heard the news from him and not the wife... just my opinion because it leaves me thinking it was her and not him that's why she posted but that could just be me I guess....