The storm that hit the Brainerd Lakes Area just over a month ago left much of the area scrambling, including Brainerd International Raceway. Now, all cleaned up, and with the NHRA Nationals in town, BIR is looking forward to a busy weekend.

And as excited as everyone is at BIR for the big weekend, local businesses say they’re even more excited because of the big boom that the weekend brings to the local economy. That also includes local hotels, many of which are already sold out of rooms this weekend. And both Kilian and Vasecka agree the impact the races have on the Lakes Area is crucial heading out of tourism season.

By — Justin Prince

Sports Director in Bemidji