The lowdown on the Brainerd International Raceway (BIR) 2024

Brainerd International Raceway is filled with speed, muscle and a whole lot of nitro. But what’s amazing is the amount of energy you feel when you walk in. Every year the Raceway attracts amazing talent. It levels the playing field between men and women.

The BIR is where the engines are loud, the speed is fast, and the excitement is contagious! It’s a place where you can feel the rumble of the engines in your bones and the wind in your hair.

Whether you’re a racing enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out, there’s something for everyone at this iconic racetrack. So buckle up, rev your engines, and get ready for a wild ride at Brainerd International Raceway!

What events are held at the Brainerd International Raceway?

The Brainerd International Raceway hosts a variety of road racing events throughout the year, including the NHRA Lucas Oil Nationals, the Muscle Car Shootout, the PleasureLand RV Show & Go, the Bracket Drag Racing Series, and the Street Car Showdown.

There are also events for all motorsports, including; motorcycles, superbike racing, snowmobiles, watercross, and autocross, as well as special events like the Classic Car Show and the Nitro Circus Live.

How do I purchase tickets for events at BIR?

The best way to get tickets for Brainerd Internatioanl Raceway is to go directly to the source. While I’d like to say there is a set rate, it really depends on the event. You can also get them at the gate if you don’t mind lines.

We attended the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals. It’s one of the top events happening every August.

Tickets range in price from $200 for the week to $60 a day. Saturday and Sunday you will pay $85 a day. Kids get in free. Make sure to reserve a free seat when selecting your tickets.

Be Prepared to Wait in Lines

The ticket system at the Brainerd International Raceway needs improvement. It’s the first impression people have of the races and for that reason they desperately need work.

When purchasing tickets online you have the option of mobile or paper tickets. Paper tickets will need to be mailed to you. You can also purchase tickets at the venue. Avoid waiting until you get there to purchase tickets because you will be in line for a good 30 minutes.

Once you have tickets in hand, you get in another line to get your wristbands for entry. They had one person that was accepting mobile tickets and the 5 people were accepting paper tickets.

Guess what the majority of people had? The lines were not marked, so people ended up going in multiple lines trying to figure out where to go.

To avoid all the line problems, I recommend you purchase tickets online and have them mailed to you. This way the likelihood of getting in the correct line is better.

Where to find parking for Brainerd Internatioanl Raceway?

Park onsite for the best deal. It’s $10 a day and you are right on the racetrack. The downside of that is there is no shade.

They do provide shuttles. I highly recommend getting on one of these if you can find one.

The walk is longer than you think. Getting back, wait around for the next shuttle.

Do not make the mistake I did and walk, with 2 children that are incredibly hot and tired. If you feel like you are faced with this dilemma of walking, have the driver walk and pick up the rest of your party at the gate.

Is There Camping Available At BIR?

If you are camping, you are in for an experience. There are two sections, adults only and family. The adults-only is a non-stop party, filled with people making their own custom vehicles to drive around in.

Music and entertainment is provided, followed by an amazing firework show. They call this area ‘The Zoo’. From the stories I heard, it is one. The family second has a curfew but you’ll still get treated to the fireworks show.

Camping is charged by person and includes general admission to the races. It can range from $275 – $175 for the week or weekend. The is no daily rate.

Camping is a first come first serve on spots. A lot of people will camp out the weekend before to ensure they get the spot they want.

Most people rent or bring golf carts to get between the raceway and campground. It cost extra to have a permit for your golf cart.

The Pit

In-between races, make sure to check out the pit. It’s part of your admission ticket and it will get you up close and personal with some of the cars.

You can also get to meet some of the drivers and get some autographs. We also found some interactive things to do with the kids while we were back there.

meet the Drivers

One of the highlights is getting the chance to meet some of the drivers. Listen to announcements to find out who’s going to be.

You can also get impromptu autographs by their pit area. You never know when the driver will come out and say hi.

What to Bring Brainerd Internatioanl Raceway Races

This is a tailgating event. Pack a cooler for your car or bring a bag and fill it with some water. If the temperature is over 75 degrees, you will need it! Make sure to stay hydrated.

Ear protection is highly recommended. I think it should be required. I’ve been to air shows before and felt the thunder of the jet engines.

These are louder and more consistent. You can wear inexpensive earplugs or heavy-duty ear protection. A simple pair of string earplugs works great.

They also make higher quality ear plugs that will cancel out the low pitch rumble of the cars, but will still allow you to hear people talking at normal volume.

If you bring your kids, make sure to have them with a good set of earphones.

Hat and sunblock are necessary. Even on a cloudy day, it’s needed. I recommend bringing them with you. They do sell all of these things in the shops, but they charge a premium. A child’s hat costs $20 each and adults hats for $50.

The Brainerd International Raceway is a lot of fun. If you want to save yourself some headaches, it’s best to plan ahead. Even with some of the pain points I experienced, they put on a good show and I would go back again. I think with my camelback this time!

The Quick Details
More Info: Brainerd International Raceway
Directions: Directions to the Raceway
Recommended to Bring: Snug Kids Earmuffs
Other Recommend Things to do: The Brainerd Zip Line | Crossing It Off The Bucket List & Saying Hi to the Legend in Brainerd at Paul Bunyan Land

Can I bring my own vehicle to the track to race?

Yes, you can bring your own vehicle to Brainerd International Raceway (BIR) to race, provided that it meets the safety requirements and guidelines set by the track.

BIR has specific rules and regulations for vehicles that are allowed on the track, which include things like appropriate safety equipment, tire ratings, and noise restrictions.

Check the BIR schedule to find out when there are events and make sure to get registered. They even have their own driving school. I know several people that have taken part.

Is there a speed limit on the track?

Yes, there is a speed limit on the track at Brainerd International Raceway (BIR) during most events. The specific speed limit can vary depending on the event and the specific section of the track, and is typically set for safety reasons.

During open track days or private rentals, the speed limit is generally set at a maximum of 120 mph (193 km/h) on the straightaways, with slower speeds required in turns and other areas of the track.

During racing events, the speed limit may be higher or lower depending on the specific rules and regulations of the event. The Drag Racers do not have a speed limit. World records have been set here.

Are there any age restrictions for spectators or participants?

Nope, everyone is welcome. Kids 12 and under are free, just remember to bring ear protection for them.

Pin It For Later