Self-made, it’s the American dream for many. And for many, it will always be just a dream. Fortunately, that’s not the case for Brian Tooley. In a relatively short time, he has taken Brian Tooley Racing (BTR) from humble beginnings in his basement to its current 45,000-square-foot facility, which sits among the leaders in the automotive aftermarket industry. Following LS Fest East 2022, I had the opportunity to visit Brian at the newly expanded BTR headquarters and get a VIP tour from the man himself.
If you’re reading this article, you’ve likely heard of BTR. However, you may not know that Brian Tooley has over 17 years of experience in cylinder head design and development. So you could say maximizing cylinder head performance is where Brian’s heart is.
Walking in the front door at BTR, the only hints as to the magic that goes on out in the shop are the many plaques on the walls with but a few of the countless accomplishments that Brian and his team have achieved or been a part of.
Long before he created BTR, Brian started Total Engine Airflow in 1992. He had a brief stint at Holley from 1993 to 1995, where he helped develop the SysteMax cylinder head, intake, and camshaft packages. He sold his company to Summit Racing in 2004 and began helping Trick Flow Specialties develop CNC programs for existing heads as well as develop all-new cylinder heads. Brian stepped away from the automotive aftermarket in 2010, but luckily for us and the rest of the enthusiast industry, he returned after seeing a need for quality valve spring kits at an affordable price. And like that, Brian Tooley Racing was born.
Where There’s Opportunity
Initially, Brian was selling his Platinum LS valve spring kits out of his basement. He bought every bit of the spring manufacturer’s inventory and wore the phones out, calling shops to sell to. Of course, with his background, knowledge, and experience, it didn’t take long for people to ask if he would design a camshaft. The rest, as they say, is history.
In a very short time, the BTR facility has more than doubled in size. As you can see in the images, the newest additions to the building start where the new concrete exists. Of course, the BTR crew has already broken in the new space with a healthy burnout.
It was around 2016 that BTR moved into the original part of its current facility located in the bourbon capital of the world, Bardstown, Kentucky. At that time, the building was 15,000 square feet, and Brian…
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