Scott Birdsall, an automotive enthusiast and professional racer and race car builder known for his significant contributions to the motorsport world, particularly in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Birdsall’s journey in the racing world is a blend of passion, innovation, and relentless pursuit of performance. From a young age, Birdsall was captivated by the intricacies of vehicles and the exhilaration of speed, a fascination that laid the groundwork for his career. His professional journey took a pivotal turn with the founding of Chuckles Garage in Santa Rosa, California. The shop instantly became a sanctuary for high-caliber custom builds and performance upgrades where Scott honed his craft in vehicle modification, focusing on projects that excel in racing and performance. Scott made his first major appearance in 2017 on Hoonigan's Daily Transmission (YouTube), where he laid down the largest burnout in their lot, giving their channel their most watched video at the time (9+ Million views). Birdsall and Ken Block became good friends and have done several videos together, competing in races against each other on the Hoonigan Channel and eventually both attending Pikes Peak. Birdsall's prowess in racing was most notable with his performance at Pikes Peak, where his skillful navigation of the 156 turns and 12.4 mile climb up a mountain earned him widespread admiration.
In 2020, Birdsall set a new diesel record at Pikes Peak, maneuvering his diesel-powered 1949 Ford F1, known as "Old Smokey," to complete the course in 11:24.065. This feat not only secured him 3rd place in the Exhibition division but also shattered the previous diesel record established in 2015, marking a significant milestone in his career. Birdsall's journey from an automotive aficionado to a record-holding racer and business owner demonstrates his passion, prowess, and unwavering pursuit of excellence, solidifying his standing as a distinguished personality in the racing world.
Scott's collaboration with Vibrant Performance, beginning in 2017, has been a journey of innovation and achievement. Initially, Scott incorporated AN Fittings and Hoses, alongside silicone and Aluminum Tubing, to outfit "Smokey F1," laying the groundwork for a competitive transformation. Over the years, this partnership has seen "Smokey" evolve from a promising contender to a record-setting marvel in 2020. This milestone was reached through Scott's strategy to make bulletproof Smokey's reliability with the use of Vibrant Performance's top shelf components, including HD Clamps, Titanium Tubing, and the latest in PTFE-Lined Hose technology, marking a significant achievement in their collaborative history.
The partnership between Vibrant and Scott continues to thrive, a testament to the winning formula that catapulted him to the Pikes Peak record. We will watch with eager anticipation as he sets his sights on attaining the land speed record, steering the same Toyota Tacoma that took center stage at our PRI Booth this past year. This next chapter in Scott's racing career promises to be as thrilling as it is historic, underscoring a legacy of innovation and excellence.