Drag Racing Fans Gather for 44th Annual NHRA Brainerd Nationals | Lakeland News

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This week, drag racing enthusiasts have gathered in Brainerd for the 44th annual National Hot Rod Association Nationals, an event that stands out as a unique spectacle unlike any other. The atmosphere is defined by the sharp, almost cackling noise from the drag racing stage, which serves as a primary attraction for fans whether it is their first or twentieth visit. Attendees describe the experience as something they wait for all year long, emphasizing that the electric environment and the roar of the engines are the main reasons people travel from across the country to attend this once-a-year celebration. Beyond the thrill of the races, the event has a profound impact on the local community and economy, with over 50,000 fans filling the site in previous years. To accommodate this massive influx, businesses like the BIR have to move their entire inventory to make way for mass parking, which often fills up by early afternoon. The area north of Baxter and Brainerd transforms into what locals call an absolute "zoo," a spirited environment where anything goes within reason. This culture extends beyond the track itself, with attractions like the zoo at the campground becoming well-known for their lively party atmosphere that has been enjoyed by participants for decades. The history of the event dates back to 1968 when the venue was originally known as Donnybrooke Speedway before being purchased and renamed. As the competition progresses through qualifying sessions on Friday and Saturday, culminating in eliminations on Sunday, there is a palpable sense of gratitude among those involved in the BIR for the progress made from its inception to today. The event continues to get busier every year, drawing crowds that create significant traffic and economic opportunities while fostering a strong sense of community spirit. Ultimately, the NHRA Nationals at Brainerd remains a cherished tradition that brings people together through shared passion and excitement.

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Drag racing fans are in Brainerd this week for the 44th annual National Hot Rod Association Nationals. Reporter Miles Walker has more on the event's impact on the area. >> Whether it's your first or 20th time visiting, that sharp, almost cackling noise emitting from the drag racing stage is always near the top of the main attraction list for NHRA Nationals. >> It's the atmosphere is what people are here for. Um obviously the drag racing, the zoo is a big part of it, the noise. Um it only happens once a year. I think a lot of people really just wait for this all year long. Um myself included. Um it's just uh it's it's an event like no other. It really is. >> NHRA National stop at the BIR is not just another event in the Brainerd Lakes area. Over 50,000 fans have filled the site in previous years, creating far more traffic and economic opportunities for the town. >> Starting Thursday morning, we move our whole inventory into the back of the property, and we set this thing up for just a mass parking event. >> We're glad to do it. We have fun every year. It's a blast. We usually have this parking lot packed by lunchtime, early afternoon, where we actually have to put a sign out and say we're not taking any more. >> And the BIR does what it can to help bolster the spectator experience, whether offering a one-stop shop right at the entrance or through the zoo at the campground, which has become well-known for its spirited environment and race week culture. >> The zoo is the zoo. You think of the wildest, craziest party you've ever been to, times 10. It's pretty much anything goes within reason, obviously. I've been doing it for 20 years, and to stay out there and to be part of it, it's hard to put into words what how much fun it really is. >> BIR's history dates all the way back to 1968, back when the track was originally called the Donnybrooke Speedway, before Jerry Hanson and Dick Roe purchased the track before eventually renaming it. The progress made from then to today, as the 44th annual NHRA Nationals rages on, you'll see gratitude from those involved at the BIR. >> It's really big for the community. This whole area north of Baxter Brainerd is an absolute zoo. I mean, people come from all over the country for this event. >> seems like it gets busier and busier every year. It's quite a sight to see. It really is. >> Reporting in Brainerd, Miles Walker, Lakeland News. >> Races are scheduled for the next 3 days at BIR with qualifying sessions on Friday and Saturday, and eliminations taking place on Sunday. >> Lakeland News is a non-profit news organization. Donate to Lakeland PBS today to support your local news team.