Ken Niesen Memorial Shootout Honoring Jill Gilgosch scheduled for Bracket Race #7 & #8 weekend July 17-19 2026
- Phil @ BIR
- Jul 8
- 5 min read
Event: Ken Niesen Memorial Honoring Jill Gilgosch, 64 Car Shootout @ BIR ET Bracket Racing Series Races #7 & #8
Date: July 17th-19th 2026
Location: Brainerd International Raceway
The Ken Niesen Memorial 64-Car Shootout Returns to BIR in Honor of Jill Gilgosch
Some races are about more than win lights and payouts. They’re about the people who built the traditions, friendships, and memories that make Brainerd International Raceway feel like home.
Brainerd International Raceway is proud to announce the return of the Ken Niesen Memorial 64-Car Shootout in Honor of Jill Gilgosch during Bracket Series Races #7 & #8, July 17–19, 2026.
Last year, we brought back the legendary 64-Car Shootout and renamed it in memory of Ken Niesen — a racer, family man, and friend whose impact on the BIR racing community will never be forgotten.
Beginning in 2026, the Ken Niesen Memorial Shootout will continue annually, honoring Ken’s legacy while also recognizing another member of the BIR racing family whose impact and contributions deserve to be remembered and celebrated.
This year, we are honored to dedicate the event in memory of Jill Gilgosch.
Jill passed away in January 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer. Her loss was felt deeply throughout the BIR community. She was one of those people who made racers, families, and friends feel welcome wherever she went. Whether she was supporting fellow racers, cheering from the sidelines, lending a helping hand, or simply sharing a conversation in the pits, Jill represented everything that makes the racing community special.
Alongside her husband Dan, a longtime BIR racer and familiar face in the pits, Jill spent countless weekends at the racetrack creating memories, friendships, and traditions that continue to this day. This year’s Shootout is our way of honoring her memory and celebrating the impact she had on so many lives throughout the BIR racing family.
The Ken Niesen Memorial Shootout has quickly reclaimed its place as one of the most anticipated traditions of the bracket racing season.
Shootout Highlights
64 racers randomly drawn from all eligible tech cards submitted by Saturday afternoon
NO entry fee
Saturday evening hot dog feed sponsored by ResTech Systems and Feist Automotive & Towing
Thousands of dollars in added cash and prizes
One racer standing alone on Sunday afternoon as the 2026 Ken Niesen Memorial Shootout Champion
More importantly, the Shootout is an opportunity for our racing family to come together and celebrate the people who helped make BIR the special place it is today.
We are currently accepting contributions from businesses, supporters, racers, and families who would like to help grow this year’s Ken Niesen Memorial Shootout honoring Jill Gilgosch.
Every added dollar, prize, and sponsorship helps build a bigger and better event while honoring the memories of Ken and Jill. Together, we can create an event worthy of the impact they had on the BIR racing community.
If you would like to contribute to the payout, prizes, or sponsorship program, please contact:
Let’s pack the lanes, celebrate the memories, support the families, and continue a tradition built on the people who made BIR special.
EVENT DETAILS
ResTech Systems / Feist Automotive & Towing Hot Dog Feed & 64-Car Drawing Saturday, July 18, at the conclusion of racing
Drawing for shootout participants held during Hotdog Feed Saturday July 18th
Ken Niesen Memorial Shootout Honoring Jill Gilgosch Sunday, July 19 as part of race program
Eligibility: All tech cards submitted by Saturday afternoon
Shootout Entry Fee: FREE
Location: Brainerd International Raceway
Additional payout, sponsor, and prize announcements will be released as the event approaches.
The BIR ET Bracket Series is fueled by the racers, families, businesses, and partners that continue to invest in grassroots drag racing across the Midwest. BIR proudly thanks the 2026 class sponsors helping support weekly competition and racer opportunity throughout the season.
ResTech Systems — Super Pro
Led by Dan Woody, ResTech Systems specializes in smart home integration, automation systems, audio/video technology, and high-end simulator experiences throughout the Twin Cities and Brainerd Lakes Area. Built around precision and performance, their involvement in the Super Pro category reflects a deep commitment to grassroots racing and the racer community.https://restechsystems.com
Track Stop Food & Fuel — Pro ET
Located directly outside the front gate at BIR, Track Stop Food & Fuel has become a race weekend staple for racers and fans alike. Owned and operated by Bob Igman, Steve, and Kayla Dreon, Track Stop provides fuel, food, ice, VP Racing Fuels, and race-day essentials while continuing to support the growth of the Pro ET category.https://www.facebook.com/trackstopbir
Thunder Valley Classic Cars — Sportsman
Since 1984, Thunder Valley Classic Cars has built a reputation around restoration, performance, and classic automotive craftsmanship. Their continued support of the Sportsman category helps strengthen one of the most competitive and tradition-rich classes at BIR.https://www.thundervalleyclassics.com
D.O.A. DragSleds — Bikes & Drag Sleds
Founded by Travis Neyssen, D.O.A. DragSleds designs and builds full-custom asphalt drag sleds engineered specifically for high-horsepower competition. Designed by racers for racers, the company continues to push innovation within one of BIR’s most unique racing categories.https://www.facebook.com/DOADragSleds
Feist Automotive & Towing — Stock / Super Stock
Ron and Bill Feist have long supported grassroots drag racing while operating a trusted automotive repair and towing business serving the North Metro Minneapolis Area. Their continued support helps preserve the heritage and competitiveness of the Stock & Super Stock category at BIR.https://feistauto.com
Vesel Construction — Jr. Dragster Novice
New to the program in 2026, Vesel Construction is a family-run restoration and reconstruction company based in Duluth. Led by owner Mike Sipper, the company’s support helps invest in the next generation of racers through the Jr. Dragster Novice program.https://www.veselconstruction.com
The BIR ET Bracket Series is part of the NHRA Summit Racing Series, giving racers the opportunity to compete locally at Brainerd International Raceway while chasing divisional and national championships. Built around consistency, reaction time, and driver skill, the series provides racers of all experience levels the opportunity to compete for season championships, TEAM BIR ET Finals positions, and a chance to race for national glory at the Summit Racing Equipment ET Finals.
Bracket racing at BIR continues to serve as one of the Midwest’s strongest grassroots racing communities, bringing together racers, families, and fans throughout the summer racing season.
Brainerd International Raceway (BIR), located in Brainerd, Minnesota, is one of the Midwest’s premier multi-discipline motorsports facilities. Home to the NHRA Nationals, BIR hosts drag racing, road racing, drifting, autocross, performance driving experiences, and grassroots motorsports events throughout the season.
The facility features a championship drag strip, multiple road course configurations, dedicated drift infrastructure, and destination camping that has made BIR a motorsports tradition for generations of racers and fans.
For schedules, tickets, racer information, and event details:https://www.birmn.com
