Outlaw drag racing, SCCA road racing combine for great Fourth of July action

(June 28, 2010) – After a 10-year absence, the Sports Car Club of America returns to Brainerd International Raceway July 2-4, bringing an exciting brand of road racing that will be added to a weekend lineup that’s already fun-filled, with Outlaw drag racing, fireworks, a classic car show, live music and much more.

The 24^th Annual NAPA Auto Parts Show & Go has been a popular Fourth of July tradition at BIR for over two decades, but this year’s version will be one of the best yet with the addition of the Jack Pine Sprints, as presented by the SCCA’s Land O’ Lakes Region. For a single ticket, fans can see power-packed Outlaw drag racing and high-performance road racing by some of the best amateur drivers from throughout the country.

The Jack Pine Sprints is an SCCA regional race that will take place on BIR’s 2.5-mile, 13-turn Competition Road Course. An estimated 150 cars in 10 different race groups will be featured, including showroom stock cars to super-prepared, purpose-built, highly technical race cars, such as Formula cars, Morgans, TVRs, Lolas, GTs, vintage racers, Corvettes, Mustangs and many others.

On the drag strip, drivers will be competing in the second leg of the three-race Outlaw Street Car Series, which features the “fast five” classes: Pro Outlaw, Outlaw, King Street, Real Street Unlimited and Real Street Natural. Twelve other classes will be competing as well, including eight Index classes. The winners of the Index classes will then face off to determine the Index Class Champion.

Last year’s drag racing saw two event records fall and the crowning of a repeat Index Class Champion: Brainerd’s Dave Imgrund. In Pro Outlaw, Jason Stock set a speed record in the finals by clocking a 230.45 mph pass, and Steve Clark broke the 8-second mark in the King Street Class with a qualifying time of 7.920 seconds in his street-legal ’68 Chevelle. Both of those records will be challenged this year.

There’s a lot of action off the track as well this year. A classic car show will give fans a look as some spectacular classics and custom rods. Saturday night, fans will be treated to a fireworks display and live music by Touched. On-site camping is available, including full-service RV sites. It’s great family entertainment. 

“We’ve always had great crowds and excellent car counts for the Show & Go, but with the addition of the SCCA Jack Pine Sprints, we’re expecting people to come out of the woodwork,” BIR owner Jed Copham said. “For those who aren’t familiar with SCCA racing, it’s super competitive wheel-to-wheel racing on a very technical road course, so fans will be treated to some great racing. ”

The weekend’s schedule:

THURSDAY
Noon – Gates open for camping

FRIDAY
8 am-4:30 pm – SCCA Test & Tune
10 am-5 pm – Time trials for all drag racing classes
Noon – 1^st qualifying session for the “Fast Five” drag racing classes
4 pm – 2^nd qualifying session for the “Fast Five” drag racing classes

SATURDAY
8 am-1 pm Registration for car show
8:05 am – Qualifying sessions begin on the road course
9 am – Time trials begin on drag racing classes
10:35 am – Race 1 starts on road course
1 pm – 3^rd qualifying session for the “Fast Five” drag racing classes
2:40 pm – Race 2 starts on road course
3:30 pm – 4^th qualifying session for the “Fast Five” drag racing classes
6 pm – Car show awards ceremony
6:30 pm – 4 laps around the road course for the drag racing street classes
9 pm-1 am – Live music by Touched
Dusk - Fireworks

SUNDAY
8:05 am – Race 3 starts on road course
9 am – Drag racing elimination rounds begin
11:05 am – Race 4 starts on road course