Bet You Didn’t Know
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Name
Brian Shirley
Racing Nickname (if you have one)
“Squirrel” — earned from my knack for sticking to the high line and gnawing through tough races.
Are you a full-time racer?
Yes
Do you own your race car?
Yes
Age
54 (born April 2)
Number of Years Racing
Since 1996 — over two decades of behind the wheel experience.
Height
5’10”
Married
Yes
Wife’s Name
Shannon
Children’s Names
Brinley, Drue, Briar
Hometown / State
Chatham, Illinois, USA
Home Track
Midwest dirt tracks — always happy to race at Fairbury and Springfield
Racing Division / Class
Dirt Late Model (Bob Cullen Racing No. 3S)
Inquiring Minds Want To Know.
Favorite food
A big steak and mashed potatoes after a long night at the track — fuel for the next one.
Favorite movie
“Days of Thunder” — still gets the blood pumping.
Favorite TV show
Anything with engines or competition — I’ll always find time for that.
Favorite racing memory so far
Winning the Prairie Dirt Classic after nearly 20 years trying — leading 77 laps and hearing the crowd cheer at Fairbury was unforgettable.
Racing superstition
I always walk the track before hot laps — I swear that first lap feels different if you skip it.
Driver that inspired you growing up
I always admired the guys who could race hard but still be humble — that’s the kind of racer I wanted to be.
Typical week balancing work, family, and the shop
A normal week starts with checking data, talking with the crew, planning travel, and making sure everything’s tight. When you race as much as I do, family time and prep time blend — but that’s part of the life I chose.
Race day routine
Coffee early, crew check in, walk the track, heat races, feature, post race debrief and media, then prep for the next round — rinse and repeat.
Life on the Road
Typical week on the road
Hit the track, unload the No. 3S, dial in the car, go racing, celebrate good nights, learn from the tough ones, and move on to the next track.
How many days are you on the road and how many miles do you travel?
Most seasons see me on the road well over 150 days and tens of thousands of miles. It’s part of being a touring Late Model driver.
What’s one part of being a professional driver that fans would be surprised to learn?
People think the fun part is just racing — but there’s a lot of logistics: travel, setup, more travel, and working with sponsors and crew. It’s a team sport.
How do you get around away from the track?
My wife pulls a toy-hauler trailer with a full size Dodge Ram that we can unhook, but if the weather is nice my Harley and Side by Side are in there.
What’s the toughest night you’ve had on the road?
Sometimes you hit a string of DNFs or mechanical issues — that’s always hard. The key is to keep working and keep your head up.
When you’re not racing or working on the car, how do you spend downtime on the road?
Stretching, light workouts, talking with the crew, and occasionally watching footage or listening to music.
Do you travel with friends, family, or mostly your race team? Where does everyone stay?
Mostly with the team, and if family can tag along, we stay in a motorhome or nearby hotel.
Do you have any routines, games, hobbies, or workout routines while traveling?
Stretching and staying limber — racing at this level demands it.
Most memorable downtime moment
Every track has its stories — but tying up a big win after long nights with the crew stands out more than anything.
Racing takes a small army
Biggest career break and how it came about
Getting into the Bob Cullen Racing No. 3S and running consistently at the front has been huge — patience and persistence pay off.
High / Low Pair
• High: Winning on the DIRTcar Summer Nationals tour multiple times, especially the Fairbury victory where everything clicked and we wound up in Victory Lane.
• Low: Nights where mechanical gremlins struck and you watch points slip away — those still sting.
Most challenging obstacle overcome
Keeping the program strong year after year — dirt Late Model racing never slows down, and you have to adapt constantly.
Mentors and influences
Crew chiefs, fellow racers, and veteran competitors taught me more than any textbook
Advice for a young racer dreaming of going pro:
Work hard, respect the car, respect the people helping you, and never stop learning.
What motivates you to keep racing?
Competition, trying to be better than yesterday, and the thrill of being in the battle.
How many more years do you see yourself racing?
As long as I’m competitive and enjoying it — every season is a chance to get better.
After you stop putting on the helmet
I’d love to help younger drivers, advise teams, and stay involved in the sport I love.
Sponsor Support
What kind of sponsorship assistance would make the biggest difference?
What kind of sponsorship assistance would make the biggest difference?
Are you looking for help from a whale, a few sharks, or many minnows?
All kinds — big partners help, but small sponsors make a big difference too.
Do you offer personalized fan experiences for sponsors?
Yes — pit access, driver meet and greets, and photo ops with the No. 3S.
Do you have a sponsorship packet of information? If so, how can you offer it?
Yes — digital packet available on request.
How can potential sponsors contact you?
Email or social media message is best.
Do you have a sponsorship packet?
Yes
How can it be accessed?
Current Sponsors
Sponsor 1
J&J Ventures & Gaming -- (Linkable)
Sponsor 2
Midwest Ag Supply -- (Linkable)
Sponsor 3
Hoker Trucking -- (Linkable)
Chassis
Rocket
Engine Builder
Durham Racing Engine
Shocks
Penske
Associate and Product Sponsors
Cheap Cars, KBX Graphix, Kid’s Castle Learning Center, Skateland South, Jayco Construction, Kim’s Autobody, Vallejo & Popejoy
Race Fan Gear
Merchandise for sale
Yes
Merch link
Social Media
facebook.com/BrianShirleyRacing/
@BrianShirley3S
X
@BSR_3s
Unsung Hero's
Car Owner Name Link to Racerspedia Owners profile
Steven Rutherford
Crew Chief
Peter Toole
Pit Crew
Boby, Peter, Ratchet man
Rig Driver
Role on Briggs
Honorable Mentions
Special thanks to Mom, Dad, Pete and Silvia
Thanks for your interest
Final message to viewers
I always love to meet fans. Stop by and say hi after the races.