BIR Taps Champion Driver Hans Horpedahl to Lead Apex Academy
- Brainerd International Raceway
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Proven on track and in the classroom, Hans Horpedahl steps in to elevate BIR’s next generation of road course drivers.
Brainerd, MN — Brainerd International Raceway (BIR) is raising the bar for its road course program with the addition of Hans Horpedahl as Lead Instructor of Apex Academy.
Hans brings the kind of credibility you can’t fake—elite performance behind the wheel paired with the ability to actually teach it. That combination is exactly what Apex Academy is built on as BIR continues to grow its road course program from the ground up.
A standout competitor in the Gridlife paddock, Hans earned the 2025 GLGT Drivers Championship and was voted Best Driver in GLTC (2024). His experience spans multiple racing disciplines, both on road courses and off-road, giving him a broader perspective that translates directly into driver development.
But speed is only part of the equation.
Hans has built a reputation for breaking down complex driving techniques into something drivers can actually understand and apply—whether it’s their first time on track or they’re working to refine their skills.
“Apex Academy is about getting people comfortable, confident, and hooked on the road course experience,” said Sara Walker, General Manager of Brainerd International Raceway. “Hans brings the credibility and the teaching ability to make that happen at a high level. This is a meaningful step forward for the program.”
This move builds on the late-2025 hiring of Road Course Manager Michael Morgan, signaling a clear and intentional focus on elevating BIR’s road course experience.
Together, the program is being rebuilt with a sharper focus on accessibility, structure, and progression—giving new drivers a true entry point into the sport while creating a pathway to more advanced track experiences.
Apex Academy is the foundation of BIR’s three-tier road course program:
Apex Academy – First laps, fundamentals, and confidence-building
Apex Track Days – Open lapping and continued skill development
Apex Reserved Days – Premium, limited-capacity track experiences
Under Hans’ leadership, Apex Academy will emphasize:
Safe, structured introduction to the road course
Clear, actionable instruction
Progressive on-track sessions
A direct path into higher levels of driving at BIR
2026 Apex Academy Schedule
Saturday, May 2 – 2.5 Mile Competition Course
Friday, June 19 – 2.5 Mile Competition Course
Friday, July 24 – 3.1 Mile Donnybrooke Course
Friday, August 7 – 2.5 Mile Competition Course
Saturday, October 3 – 3.1 Mile Donnybrooke Course
Drivers ready to get on track can learn more and register at:
“This is just the beginning,” Walker added. “We’re building something that’s approachable for new drivers but backed by real expertise -- and Hans is a big part of that foundation.”
About Brainerd International Raceway
Brainerd International Raceway (BIR), located in Brainerd, Minnesota, is one of the Midwest’s premier multi-discipline motorsports facilities. For more than 50 years, BIR has hosted national and regional competition across drag racing, road racing, drifting, autocross, and performance driving programs. Home to the NHRA Nationals and a full season of grassroots and professional events, the facility features a 3.1-mile road course, a championship drag strip, and dedicated drift and performance training infrastructure.
As a family-owned destination venue, BIR continues to evolve its programming and facilities while honoring its racing heritage — investing in new disciplines, expanding participation opportunities, and creating motorsports experiences that connect generations of fans, racers, and automotive enthusiasts across the Midwest.
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