Drag racing is the heart and soul of Brainerd International Raceway.

For nearly four decades, race fans have come to BIR to see some of the best drag racers in the world compete. They come because of the insane speeds, the incredible horsepower, the head-to-head competition, and, of course, the friendly party atmosphere that you can only find at BIR.

The drag strip itself is what helps define BIR because it’s unique among other race tracks and its one of the fastest drag strips in the country. The 700-foot concrete launch pad is one of the longest, as is the run-out area past the finish line, making BIR’s drag strip one of the safest on the NHRA circuit and a favorite among pro and amateur drivers alike.

BIR’s drag strip is busy all summer with drag racing at every level, starting with the popular Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in August, all the way down to the Wednesday Night Street Legal Drags, which is when anyone with a street-legal vehicle and $25 can run down the track as many times as they want.

For 29 years, BIR has been a stop on the NHRA Nationals tour. BIR has hosted the biggest names in drag racing history over the years and has consistently produced some of the most exciting racing found anywhere in the Midwest. Names like Don “The Snake” Prudhomme, Tom Hoover, Kenny Bernstein, Shirley Muldowney, Mark Oswald, John Force and Joe Amato have all competed at BIR. And now the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals brings today’s top drivers as well. As the only NHRA Nationals track with on-site camping, it’s become a favorite among drivers and their crew, who frequent “The Zoo” to connect with fans and enjoy the party-like atmosphere.

The NHRA makes a second stop at BIR for the Thunder at the Lakes, a NHRA Division 5 Points Race. A popular Memorial Day weekend race, Thunder at the Lakes features some of the best Top Alcohol Dragster, Top Alcohol Funny Car and Sportsman racers in the country as they vie for points that lead to divisional and national championships.

For more than 20 years, BIR has hosted the Show & Go and Coca-Cola Muscle Car Shootout, and now the 3rd annual Street Car showdown which are popular events that coincide with the Fourth of July weekend and Labor Day weekend, respectively. The two events showcase grudge-match head-to-head drag racing, featuring your favorite muscle cars such as Mustangs, GTOs, Chevelles, Camaros, Chargers, Barracudas, etc., many of which compete in the ultra-quick Outlaw, Pro Outlaw, King Street and Real Street classes. The Street Car Showdown is a third Outlaw drag racing event and is just as crazy. 

BIR also hosts the five-race Bracket Drag Racing Series, where amateur drag racers compete for series points that lead to a track championship. The racing features street cars, purpose built race cars, trucks, bikes, snowmobiles and Junior Dragsters.

BIR’s Wednesday Night Drags – Street Legal Style is a great chance for anyone to get a taste of what it’s like to run their car down a championship-level drag strip. They’re open to anyone with a helmet and a street-legal car, truck or motorcycle. Drivers use the light tree, scoreboard and burn-out box. An announcer even calls the action on the PA system.