(Brainerd, MN) — Racing fans in Minnesota will have their first chance to see live racing in person at Brainerd International Raceway this weekend. The famed track will host two days of road course racing featuring the Trans AM Series and the Sports Car Club of America Series. While state health guidelines are still not allowing for large outdoor gatherings in stadium-type settings, the Brainerd International Raceway has gotten creative in its setup for spectators to meet and exceed safety protocols. Outdoor “drive-in movie theater” type parking, with social distancing between vehicles and pods, is approved by the Minnesota Health Department. So, raceway officials will open much of the track’s property around the road course for fans to set up in their pod, to tailgate there, and to watch the racing action from their individual spot along the fence. Track officials still encourage social distancing and mask-wearing when appropriate and bleachers will not be open. Track owner Kristi Copham says it will be emotional for her and her family to have fans back to watch racing, especially since it will be Fan Appreciation Weekend and they will honor her late husband Jed Copham by naming the weekend’s final 100-mile race after him. The racing begins Saturday morning at 9 A-M and continues into the late afternoon hours. Sunday’s schedule also begins at 9 A-M, with the Jed Copham Memorial Race starting at 1:35 P-M. Admission and parking is free and there is a limited number of campsites also available for both days. Since the pandemic hit, this two-day event is believed to be the first spectator sport in Minnesota that will potentially have a large gathering of fans to watch. Other sporting events have allowed limited fans, but not in a large numbers allowed under the “drive-in” style gathering. For a complete schedule and more information, fans should go to the track’s website by clicking here.
Brainerd International Raceway owner Kristi Copham spoke with MNN Sports Director Mike Grimm:
