I herd that they were building a new one closer to the twincities. Is this true? Unfortunately, I think Brainerd's days are numbered. People move next to a racetrack then complain about the noise. You now have to run a muffler on a racecar up there, and there is no longer even an SCCA National held there! Sad!
I'm going to check out Brainerd. That's an easy haul from here. It looks like there are a couple of programs for a gentle introduction to the sport.
Someone told me that the Dakota County Technical College in Rosemount had some trackdays but might be closing. There's truck driver training program down there.
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2002 Triumph Bonneville America
Yeah, a few of us from here do the DCTC trackdays (Defensive Riding Course!). In fact, I'll be out there on Sunday with my KTM. Come check it out! It's a bit pricey, but there aren't really too many other choices around.
Brainerd International Raceway sold to Forest Lake family.
Brainerd, Mn. - Brainerd International Raceway, Minnesota's premier motor sports facility long held by Sports Resorts International Inc., a Michigan based company, has been sold to BIR Holdings LLC, held by Jed and Kristi Copham of Forest Lake MN. The facility will be known as "Brainerd International Raceway and Resort".
Together, along with Sports Resorts CEO Donald J.Williamson, they take great pleasure in making this announcement for the Brainerd racetrack that has long played a historical significance in the Minnesota Motorsports landscape and Brainerd community. The 600 acre facility plays host each year to numerous automobile and motorcycle events including the renowned National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) 25th annual National Event scheduled for August 10 - 13, 2006.
"As the Mayor of Flint Michigan, and my wife Patsy Lou running for State Senate, we are focusing our efforts within our local community" commented Donald Williamson. "We have owned the Brainerd facility since 1994 and continued to invest each year with numerous capital improvements. We feel this has continued to make BIR a great destination for thousands of motorsports fans and racers". Williamson stated "they are pleased to have kept the 6-unit condominium building on the lake and sincerely wish the Cophams as much fun and success as we have had. We would also like to thank the Brainerd community for their support and continued well wishes for the new owners."
"As amateur road racers and occasional drag racers, my family and I are excited about the purchase of BIR" said Jed Copham. "Like many around the State of Minnesota and the Midwest, our family has been coming to BIR for years as participants and spectators. The opportunity for our company to purchase this facility and continue it's legacy is a welcomed challenge we look forward to for many years to come. My transition team is eager to continue the work that has taken place in this wonderful facility and we especially look forward to developing new relationships within the Brainerd area and all throughout the motorsports community".
"We want to welcome Mr. and Mrs. Copham into the NHRA family and look forward to working with them and the entire staff at Brainerd International Raceway for years to come," said Peter Clifford, Executive Vice President and General Manager, NHRA. "Given their personal involvement in racing, we are confident that as owners of the facility, they will make sure the needs of both the fans and the racing community are met and will be a great asset to the Brainerd community."
Future plans for BIR include a continuance of the current drag racing programs and road course racing programs while searching for new racing events for BIR's patrons and racing customers. Additional plans may include a revision of the current road course configuration with a goal of separating the current drag strip from the track's main straightaway. As allowed, additional configuration changes may see a new but separate and shorter road course design using turn's 2, 3, 4, and 5 on the current road course. Although BIR's famed 3 mile road course will continue to be an option for users, the construction of a shorter track will allow more options for multiple uses within the facility.
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Give a pig a fish and he'll eat for a day, give a pig bacon and his relatives arent safe.
Not to spread a rumor, but I am working with a commercial lender right now who told me he is also working on a deal to bring a massive indoor track to a Minneapolis Suburb......
Not to spread a rumor, but I am working with a commercial lender right now who told me he is also working on a deal to bring a massive indoor track to a Minneapolis Suburb......
PS1K Ducati, R75/5 BMW, 150GL Vespa, P200E Vespa
What kind of indoor track are we talking about, MX or supermoto or something like that? Right now Motokazi is racing in horse arena's, the carbon monoxide levels are unbearable when they run bikes non stop in practice. Last weekend they were in Fergus Falls, a 530 foot long arena.
There was supposed to be an indoor MX track called Roosters MX, but that deal fell apart. Maybe Polaris is building something for year round testing.
The track is going to be in Star Praire, Wisconsin. This, I guess, is about an hour from the Twin Cities. It is going to be 116,000 sq ft., indoor motocross with bleachers, et al. I guess they closed the deal this Jan, and building to happen this Spring. There is already suppose to be an outdoor car track existing at the site. I do not think I have ever been to Star Praire, though. Maybe they will let us get our street bikes on this track, if the motocross works out.
Minnesota tracks?
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