brainerd international raceway

Went here for the Muscle car shootouts. Rained most of the day Saturday, but still great people and fun to be had

HEADLINE: An outstanding program run by BIR Performance Driving School at the Brainerd International Raceway. THE PROGRAMOne of several courses provided by BIR - the Performance Day program consists of an initial hour long classroom sessions followed by several (six) driving sessions, with each driving sessions consisting of several full laps around the track. Additional class room re-briefs occur between driving sessions.Our group had a lead driver (two very experienced race drivers alternating) in a chase car, followed by ten of us - each in a spec racer. Safety is the top focus. The instructor(s) will emphasize this, along with tips on improving performance (acceleration, braking, shifting / gears, lines of attack), repeatedly. At first overwhelming, it does sink in, and you find yourself focusing less and less on the mechanics and more on the flow with each track session.The school also provides a myriad of other course - e.g., Law Enforcement, Anti-Terrorist, etc. - all well explained on their Web Site. THE INSTRUCTORS The instructors were excellent. Great experience - including multiple decades of racing and teaching in the U.S. and abroad. The initial hour long session is well supported by diagrams to explain concepts - thought these are very well explained in detail by the instructor. Plenty of opportunity for questions. Greg Curtis leads the sessions and day's activities - very, very experienced - driving and racing motorcycles and cars since the 1970s - and an excellent instructor. There were several other instructors present - including our main lead driver - Chris Lake-Smith, who's been driving / racing since 1969, incl driving across Europe in Formula and Grand Prix and instructing at other schools. But all the instructors and drivers - Mike, David, Chong, et al were excellent. THE CARSYou drive a single seat SCCA Spec Racer. The car is an open cockpit, 1350 lbs racer - with a top speed of 135+ MPH. THE TRACK BIR track has 13 turns, of various degrees; and, the chase car driver leads the way on the first lap each time to ensure you have, understand the lines to follow through the track and its curves. Pylons and breaking guides alongside track help orient you to the right lines on entry, apex and exit of each turn. As noted, after the initial training class session, there are several track (driving sessions), with an additional refresher class between each track session. The combination of the lead car showing the line to follow (and watching you), the class sessions and reinforcement, and the excellent class room sessions work together to increase your proficiency and speed through the course over the day. By the end, in the Turn 1 through 3 long stretches, we were all comfortable hitting 100+mph. SAFETYAs noted, this is a full day (8a to 530p) class. There is plenty of class room time, Q&A, and individual coaching after track sessions based on what they observe about your driving. The cars are inspected and you are (very) snugly strapped in (five point harness and helmet). In addition, flag men and observers are stationed throughout the course to warn of incidents (Yellow Flag or Black Flag), wave you into Pit, or take notes - feedback is given in each class refresh, and safety is stressed. There are EMTs on site. This was tied down, controlled and well managed; and, suffice to say no one noted anything but confidence in team there. VERDICTJust go do it. Very cool; and, very recommended.

BIR property is a great place for a fun weekend at the raceway. There is several small weekend races throughout the summer and have been to almost most of the races. With NHRA Nationals, its a must see if your a die hard racing fan and like to cut loose and party into the night. There is different areas to camp. There is full service camping with different hookups with eclectic, sewer, etc if your looking for that at a decent rate. Also there is just general camping where you can claim your spot. The Zoo is the main event for Nationals and is a big open field that turns into a city full of campsites and different party spots. A must to stop at Camp Pallet and Zag Bar, as they become a large spring break party. The Zoo is not for kids or if you like it quite since its always busy 24-7 with partying and noise. The raceway tracks are well kept and the grounds are too, each year seems like they are making things better. The condos are great and very nice if you ever get the chance to stay at one. The bar on track is a fun place to drink and catch up with friends and have a burger or pizza from their menu and listen to live entertainment of several nights. The staff is very nice, at the front gate they are helpful. Security is always around as well and give a safe feeling as most security officers are off duty police officers. The property is a lot of fun for a good time with family or friends to get the race and camping experience you always wanted. I do recommend going to nationals tho, its a blast!!

We were at BIR to watch my son run his motorcycle at track day. BIR has changed a lot since my days of coming up to Donnybrooke to watch the AMC Javelins kick the snot out of the Mustangs, Camaros, Challengers, Firebirds etc. It is still clean and well organized. We had a great time.

First time trip with some NHRA experts, and we will definitely be returning !Watching this racing on TV does NOT do the sport justice...It was amazing enough watching the local racers and alcohol cars, but hearing and feeling, (yes feeling), the power of those Nitro fueled dragsters & funny cars blast down the track in 3 seconds was unbelievable.Plus, being able to walk through the pit area and see the crews working on the cars gives you an up close and personal view of the serious work that goes into making those 3 seconds count.I'm into cars and motorcycles, but I'm not a serious gearhead, so even if this is not your thing twelve months a year, seeing the Nationals event is a great event to see at least once ! (for me it will be more than that!)Wear comfortable clothing for the weather, plus bring sunscreen and earplugs. If you are sitting in the grandstand, then strongly recommend a seat cushion, (purchase on site, or you can rent them).

Second annual August trip for the Nationals. This time, camping. THE ZOO!! Not for the whole family, and not for light sleepers! It is a 24 hour party atmosphere, with no holds barred really. If you understand that, you will have a blast! Porta potties are plenty, but often a bit sketchy. Showers are a nice convenience, but mostly cold, and awfully busy. And co Ed BUTTHE RACING IS SECOND TO NONE!! You MUST go to The Nationals at least once! Regardless of whether or not you follow the NHRA at all! Until you see a Top Fuel Dragster hit the traps at over 300 mph, you just don't get it! google it, book it, do it! Bears to mention that the fully serviced and family camping areas are on a seven year wait list!! Look for off venue camping if you can't handle the animals in The Zoo!

Great variety of races including Superbike, Snowmobile drags, Nascar, top fuel, and more. The Lucas Oil Nationals are a must see!

Worth the trip. Even if you are not a big race fan. if u do go, you MUST camp in the infield for the full experience. You wont be disappointed. Bring ice, sunscreen, good shoes, earplugs, and lots of liquids.

The gate fees for any event are always overpriced. After 14+ years of attending the NHRA Nationals in August, I finally said enough! I loved the event and the camping there, but couldn't justiy the expense anymore.

Since the late 80's we have been to BIR for racing. We have attended the annual NHRA race since the 9th Annual and this years was the 31st annual race. Over the years there have been some changes in the facility. Some for the better some not so good. In the last 2 years the progress the track has made in taking care of the ticket holders has been very good. The traffic control and how they move people is getting good.As far as the racing surface, it is the best. That is the best track in the NHRA system. Keep it BIR. We will be back next year.

We lived here while we waited for our home to be finished. It was a nice place to call home for four months. Definitely needed cleaning when we moved in though - the toilets were revoltingly dirty.

fun for the whole family good food BIR is agreat way to spend a weekenb

If you are a race fan then you need to experience BIR at least once in your life! Many different types of races and shows throughout the summer.

So much fun. A really great place for a good time. Must see a big race if you are in the area.

took the grandkids to see the car races and we had an excellent time!!