Brian Birkhofer Looks Forward to this Week’s ‘Chili Bowl’
by: Ryan Delph

MUSCATINE, IA. (Jan. 9, 2007) - For the first time, former ‘World 100’ winner Brian Birkhofer will travel to Tulsa, Oklahoma for this week’s ‘O’Reilly Chili Bowl Midget Nationals.’ Practice for the 21st Annual event will take place this afternoon, January 9, at the Tulsa Expo Raceway. The Muscatine, Iowa native is scheduled to take part in the “Oklahoma Dodge Dealers Qualifying Night” on Friday, January 12. Last Chance events and the ever-popular ‘Chili Bowl’ A-Main will then take place on the Tulsa indoor dirt racing surface on Saturday evening, January 13.

Brian will be behind the wheel of a Walter Knepper owned Spike chassis, Gaerte powered #15b machine with sponsorship coming from Rocket Chassis, Don Martin, Scott Performance Wire, Tri-City Speedway, and McDonalds. In action with Brian on Friday evening at the indoor facility will be NASCAR stars Tony Stewart and Kasey Kahne, Open Wheel standouts Dave Darland, Billy Boat, Cory Kruseman, and P.J. Jones, and Dirt Late Model competitors Jeep Van Wormer and Josh Richards.

“It is a great opportunity for me to drive for Walter Knepper out in Tulsa this week,” stated Birkhofer today. “It is unfortunate that Shannon Babb broke his arm and could not compete in this ride, but I am planning to make the most of this opportunity. From what I hear, the car has the ability to run up front, so we will see if I can adapt to driving the midget cars. I have to thank Don Martin for hooking me up with Walter Knepper and all of the sponsors including Mark Richards, Brian Scott, Steve Knepper, Kevin Gundaker, and Pete and Leo with McDonalds. This week should be a lot of fun and it will be cool to mingle with all of the Open Wheel racers.”

Dirt Late Model driver Tim McCreadie shocked the racing world last year, as he captured his first ‘Chili Bowl’ title to add his name to the list of winners, which is a virtual “who’s who” of open wheel racing. Those who have captured A-Main wins in the ‘Chili Bowl’ include: Sammy Swindell (1998, 1996, 1992 and 1989), Cory Kruseman (2004 and 2000), Dan Boorse (2003 and 1999), Tracy Hines (2005), Tony Stewart (2002), Jay Drake (2001), Billy Boat (1997), Donnie Beechler (1995), Andy Hillenburg (1994), Dave Blaney (1993), Lealand McSpadden (1991), Jon Heydenreich (1990), Scott Hatton (1988), and Rich Vogler (1987).

In addition, Brian has released a partial 2007 racing schedule for his Dirt Late Model program. Just like last year, Brian will pick and choose where he will race and will compete in several 360 OTC World of Outlaws Late Model Series, Lucas Oil Late Model Series, PolyDome WDRL Series, UMP Summernationals, and unsanctioned events throughout the season. You can view his newly released schedule at www.brianbirkhoferracing.com .

You can get all of the news and information that you need to keep up with the ‘Chili Bowl’ by visiting www.chilibowl.com . The latest news and information concerning Brian Birkhofer and the Birkhofer Racing team can be found online at www.brianbirkhoferracing.com !