NAPA Auto Parts Show & Go features Muscle Car drag racing, Superbikes
BRAINERD, Minn. - Brainerd International Raceway's holiday tradition continues this weekend with the 26th Annual NAPA Auto Parts Show & Go.
Running this Friday through Sunday, the Show & Go brings a weekend full of great racing action and off-track activities, including fireworks and live music Saturday night, a classic car show and kids games. At center stage, though is incredible drag racing and Superbike racing.
On the drag strip, Luke Volk will be defending his No. 1 position in the points standings in the Pro Outlaw Class. He and his fellow drag racers will be competing in the second leg of the three-race Muscle Car Series, where they're earning points toward a series championship at the end of the season. Volk and his 1967 Nova jumped out to the points lead Memorial Day weekend during the series' first race. He ripped off a 210 mph pass - the fastest of the weekend - and walked away with a Pro Outlaw win.
In the Outlaw Class, Mike Bauerly has plans to continue his winning ways. He won the last two series events last year en route to claiming the 2011 Outlaw series championship. And then he won the first series race this year, so he's looking to extend the streak to four races.
The Pro Outlaw and Outlaw classes are the fastest of the "fast five" classes that feature speeds over 200 mph and a lot of wheel-standing action on the starting line. There are also 15 other classes that will be racing. In all, more than 300 cars are expected.
The Central Roadracing Association brings its thrilling brand of Superbike racing to BIR's 2.5-mile Competition Road Course this weekend. Fans can watch three full days of knee-dragging racing by some of the top amateur Superbike racers in the Upper Midwest. They scream around the 13-turn highly technical track at over 80 mph. The Superbikes run rain or shine.
Off the track, a classic car show is Saturday in front of BIR's brick condos. A fireworks display is Saturday night along with live music by Uncle Chunk, a popular band that plays modern alternative rock. Uncle Chunk will play in BIR's Wheelie Bar & Grille - no cover charge.
"The NAPA Auto Parts Show & Go has always been one of our most popular events," BIR Owner Jed Copham said. "Part of its appeal is that we've got so much going on to entertain the fans, even the kids. And with our on-site camping, you get a really affordable weekend with the chance to seen some great racing."
Racing starts daily at 9 a.m. Tickets are available at the gate. Daily admission is $25 for adults, $15 for kids ages 6-12 and free for kids 5 and younger. On-site camping is free with the purchase of a multi-day ticket.
Now in its 44th season, Brainerd International Raceway is one of North America's largest race tracks, featuring a world-class quarter-mile drag strip, the 3.1-mile, 10-turn Donnybrooke Road Course, the 2.5-mile, 13-turn Competition Road Course, 300 acres for rustic camping, 164 full-service RV sites and 12 on-site condos. BIR is about 120 miles north of the Twin Cities. For more information, visit www.BrainerdRaceway.com, or call 1-866-444-4455.
