Octane Autofest Launches at Brainerd International Raceway with Forsberg Racing
- Brainerd International Raceway
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 2 hours ago
Multi-Discipline Motorsports Festival Featuring Drifting, HPDE and Autocross set for June 5–7 and September 11–13, 2026
Brainerd, MN — Brainerd International Raceway (BIR), one of the Midwest’s premier motorsports facilities, will introduce a new chapter in 2026 with the launch of Octane Autofest — a multi-discipline motorsports festival featuring drifting, High Performance Driving Experience (HPDE), autocross, live music and festival camping.
The inaugural Octane Autofest takes place June 5–7, 2026, with a second event scheduled for September 11–13, 2026. Tickets go on sale soon at BIRMN.com.
Octane Autofest blends BIR’s 50-year racing legacy with nationally recognized talent and grassroots participation, creating a weekend that extends beyond a traditional race event.
The June 5 kickoff will officially open BIR’s newly paved main-stage drift course during Full Force Friday — an event named in recognition of Chris “The Force” Forsberg and his collaboration with BIR in launching Octane Autofest.
The evening will feature professional drivers headlining alongside Forsberg, bringing top-level drift talent to Minnesota and the Upper Midwest. Through its partnership with Forsberg Racing, BIR is working alongside one of the sport’s most respected names to help shape the direction and long-term growth of drifting at the facility.
“Octane Autofest represents where we see the future of this facility going,” said Kristi Copham, Owner of Brainerd International Raceway. “We have a strong foundation in traditional motorsports, and we’re proud of that. At the same time, we’re investing in disciplines and experiences that attract new generations. This is about building something sustainable and exciting for the long term.”
Octane Autofest represents the next evolution of BIR’s multi-discipline model — connecting traditional motorsports with emerging automotive culture.
The collaboration with Forsberg Racing reflects BIR’s commitment to working with established leaders in the sport as the facility continues to expand its drifting program.
Octane Autofest will feature drifting, autocross, and HPDE, including timed competition and open track sessions operating on dedicated courses throughout the weekend. Fans and participants can experience multiple forms of motorsports in one place within a true festival atmosphere.
Beyond on-track action, the event will include live music Friday and Saturday night, a car show, a burnout competition, and festival-focused camping concentrated near the midway and main stage. The goal is a complete weekend experience where fans can watch, compete, camp under the lights, and be part of the culture.
For BIR, the launch of the main-stage drift course represents more than new pavement. It signals a long-term commitment to growing drifting at the facility while continuing to support entry-level participation and skill development.
“This is honestly one of the most exciting opportunities I’ve ever had,” said Ayden Copham. “I grew up at this track, so to now be part of launching something like Octane Autofest in partnership with Chris Forsberg — and to share the stage with drivers I’ve looked up to — means everything to me. Being able to do that as part of my family’s legacy at BIR makes it even more special. It pushes me to work harder and dream bigger.”
For Chris Forsberg and Forsberg Racing, the partnership represents an opportunity to help shape a new kind of motorsports festival in the region — one that balances high-level talent with grassroots accessibility.
The September 11–13 Octane Autofest will build on the June launch and expand the festival format to include drag racing alongside drifting, HPDE, and autocross.
Manufacturers, performance brands, regional businesses, and automotive partners interested in supporting grassroots and professional motorsports are invited to connect through BIRMN.com to explore vendor, sponsorship, and activation opportunities.
Octane Autofest launches June 5–7, 2026. Tickets go on sale soon at BIRMN.com.
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.
About Forsberg Racing
Forsberg Racing is the professional motorsports team founded and led by three-time Formula DRIFT Champion Chris Forsberg. Competing at the highest levels of professional drifting, production class off-road & road racing, the team blends elite competition performance with technical development, brand partnerships, and experiential motorsports activations.
Headquartered in Costa Mesa, CA, Forsberg Racing works alongside Nissan N.A., leading automotive manufacturers, performance brands, and technical partners to develop cutting-edge competition vehicles while creating content and live experiences that engage fans both on and off the track.
The program’s mission is to grow drifting by balancing professional excellence with grassroots accessibility — supporting driver development, hosting track programs, and collaborating with facilities nationwide to expand opportunities within the sport.
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