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.

More than 300 racers battled June 19-21 at Brainerd International Raceway during Summit ET Bracket Series Races #5 & #6. Following Friday’s rainout, perfect weather set the stage for exciting racing, the prestigious NHRA King of the Track competition, and Brad Harder’s remarkable triple-win weekend as racers continued their chase for 2026 championships and Team BIR ET Finals positions.