Road racing at BIR in 2011

For the past 40 years, Brainerd International Raceway’s 3.1-mile road course has attracted some of the most popular racing series and some of the biggest names in racing. Now, with the addition of a 2.5-mile road course, road racing at BIR has taken on a whole new complexion, making more track time available and opening options for BIR as well as car clubs, racing groups, the BIR Performance Driving School, motorcycle clubs and others who are looking for a championship-style track on which to race.

The Donnybrooke Road Course, BIR’s original 3.1-mile, 10-turn road course, is still operational and continues to be a favorite of many racers who love the mile-long straightaway followed by the fastest turn of any road course in the country. It has a storied history that dates back to the early 1970s when drivers like NASCAR’s Ken Schrader and Jimmy Spencer, and Indy 500 pilots Danny Ongais, Tom Sneva, Bobby Unser and Al Unser discovered BIR and made the trip to central Minnesota on several occasions for events like the Uncola Nationals. Even actor Paul Newman raced a number of times here, winning his first professional race in 1982.

Two years ago, BIR added a segment of track that connected Turns 8 and 1 to separate the drag strip from the road course, giving BIR the ability to run dual events that feature drag racing and road racing. The result was the Competition Road Course, a 2.5-mile, 13-turn track that is both challenging and fun.

Both road courses will continue to be used by clubs like the Central Roadracing Association, the Sports Car Club of America, the Nord Stern Porsche Club of America, the North Star BMW Car Club, The Suburban Corvettes of Minnesota, The Quattro Club and many others. Check our schedule for events and track rentals.