Inside BIR

After the inaugural Octane Autofest, Brainerd International Raceway owner Kristi Copham reflects on the vision behind the event, thanks the fans, racers, partners, volunteers and staff who made it possible, addresses lessons learned, and looks ahead to the NHRA Brainerd Nationals and Octane Autofest 2.0. Read her full message to the BIR community.

Nearly 15,000 attendees from 41 states and five countries traveled to Brainerd International Raceway June 4-7 for the inaugural Octane Autofest Motorsports Festival, a new motorsports and automotive lifestyle festival that blended drifting, performance driving, automotive culture, camping, live entertainment, and hands-on participation opportunities into a single weekend experience.

Scag Power Equipment, a division of Metalcraft of Mayville, has become a Preferred Partner of Brainerd International Raceway. Fans attending races this season will see the popular “Cat’s Eye Gold” colored equipment in use throughout the facility as it is being used for upkeep on and around the dragstrip, road course, and drifting competition areas.

A new multi-discipline motorsports festival blends drifting, driving, music, and camping into a full weekend experience Brainerd, MN — With just 30 days until gates open, Brainerd International Raceway (BIR) is set to launch Octane Autofest June 5–7, 2026—now in collaboration with CboysTV, one of the fastest-growing automotive and lifestyle channels in the country. The Minnesota-based group, known for turning everyday ideas into high-energy automotive content, will bring its

Brainerd International Raceway has announced plans to transform its iconic Zoo Campground into “The Pond,” a new waterfront venue featuring dockside experiences, waterski shows, and even guided underwater tours—bringing a bold, year-round vision to life at BIR.