A gas station once stood right across Steve Bird’s school, where racing legend Ollie Silva’s car would be parked. Though ‘Birdie’ was just in the first grade, he would head there to check it out and unintentionally get in the way of those working on it. But determined to help, the kid would clean the car or do odd jobs. It goes without saying that there were days he’d mess up something, and when that happened, they’d hook him to the peg on a telephone pole with the back of his pants. He would be that way until his father came to pick him up.

That’s how Bird was introduced to the world of racing. His father would work on races promoted by Oscar Ridlon, an old racer, at tracks around New England, and Bird would accompany him. It was back in the 50s and 60s. While Ridlon may have been nasty to others, he made the lad feel useful. Bird was hardly old enough when Ridlon would have him park cars or work at the ticket booth and pit shack. But those experiences eventually pushed him deep into the racing world. Deep enough for him to eventually become a 4-time champion crew chief in the Busch/Xfinity Series.

He worked as the crew chief for perennial series winners Steve Grissom, Kenny Wallace, Rob Moroso, Johnny Benson Jr, and Randy Lajoie. Unfortunately, Bird, 70, passed away, and the announcement of the same sparked immediate tributes from across the sport. Kenny Wallace, who achieved career-defining victories under Bird’s guidance, reflected, “One of the greatest crew chiefs of my time. STEVE BIRD ‘Birdy’ has passed away. He was the reason I made it to the Winner circle in NASCAR. My prayers to his family.”

Bird went into the Xfinity Series with Moroso and guided the 19-year-old to his first two career wins in 1988. A year later, the duo once won four races together, as well as a championship battle against veteran drivers Tommy Ellis and Tommy Houston. Bird’s career with Moroso was just a start to his penchant for taking young drivers under his wing and leading them to victories. In fact, in 1990, he guided Steve Grissom to his first career win. That season, they won a total of four races. And the next season, he was Wallace’s crew chief.

Bird pushed the driver to his first win at Volusia County Speedway. But why was that a special moment? It’s because the driver went 70 races and two years without a win.

Owing to his Bird, he was inducted into the New England Auto Racers Hall of Fame, class of 2017.

He had started out in the 70s as a crew member for ‘The Traveling Man’ Pete Fiandaca, and later moved on to Ron Bouchard in the 80s. He enjoyed a long career, which reminds the racing world how critical crew chiefs are in bridging raw talent with sustainable performance. But perhaps there is no one who is prouder than his son, Jasun Bird. In his farewell message to his dad on Instagram, he wrote, “Love you Dad, you are my hero. You made the final turn across the finish line today. You are a champion. Rest easy, keep those Miller Lites cold for me for when I see you again.”

In an X post on September 2, Jasun had revealed, “I found out a few weeks ago when I was texting Lisa letting know dad (Steve Bird “Birdie”) has stage 4 terminal cancer. Was just diagnosed in June. No treatments worked and and is now in his last few weeks. It escalated so fast. It’s been a sad hard few months for the Old Bace Motorsports gang.”

Veteran FOX broadcaster mourns legendary crew chief

The news of Steve Bird’s passing has continued to ripple through the NASCAR community, drawing heartfelt tributes from those who worked alongside him and those who chronicled his era. Among the most poignant responses came from FOX Sports broadcaster Mike Joy, whose voice has narrated decades of NASCAR history. He took to social media to honor Bird. “Steve Bird has passed away. The record book shows him as the only 4-time champion crew chief in the Busch/Xfinity Series. He was far more: a leader, a mentor, a friend. RIP Birdie.”

What stood out in Joy’s remembrance was the emphasis on Bird as a mentor and friend. It reflected the personal connections that defined his career. Within NASCAR, the role of a crew chief extends well beyond race-day strategy. It often shapes the confidence and growth of drivers, and Bird embodied that spirit.

Even Oxford Plains Speedway, where Bird was a known name, shared a final message for him. “Everyone at Oxford Plains Speedway and the Pro All Stars Series are saddened to learn of the passing of Steve “Birdie” Bird. A four-time NASCAR Xfinity Series champion crew chief, Birdie was a fixture at Oxford Plains Speedway over the decades, particularly at the Oxford 250, where he recently was the honorary Grand Marshal for the 52nd edition. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”

NASCAR fans also took to social media to share their thoughts:

• “Crew chiefs like Birdy shaped the sport in ways fans will never forget. Condolences to his family, friends, and everyone who shared the track with him.”
• “Sorry to head about Steve Bird.”
• “RIP Steve Bird.”

Bird’s influence reached across every corner of NASCAR, leaving behind a legacy cherished not only by those in his pit box but also by fans.