NHRA - National Hot Rod Association

Race day longs for the opening ceremonies at Brainerd International Raceway from the very first rays of dawn.

It begins when the first transporters open and crews roll their race cars into the morning light. It begins with the metallic rhythm of tools in the pits, the smell of racing fuel in the air and the first crack of an engine coming to life.

By breakfast, the peaceful Minnesota countryside has been transformed. Big-block engines are warming throughout the pits, sending shock waves through the facility and plumes of unmistakable exhaust into a cloudless sky. Crew chiefs are making their final adjustments, drivers are preparing for battle and fans are gathering around the ropes to experience the raw power from only a few feet away.

The show has already begun.

The weather is nearly perfect, and the crowd is ignited. Fans are flowing out of the legendary Brainerd Zoo campground and into the pits, midway and grandstands, bringing with them the energy that makes this one of the most distinctive stops on the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series tour.

That energy soon filled the staging lanes.

Before eliminations began, the focus shifted to the starting line for NHRA’s pre-race ceremonies. The Sealmaster Track Walk, driver introductions brought the stars of Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock before the Brainerd crowd.  National anthems, first-responder recognition, and ceremonial moments built toward the command everyone was  waiting to hear.

Then, Brainerd unleashed the nitro. Race day began at dawn. Now it is time to race.