Glen Strandberg
Sports Editor

Energy. For the new owners of Brainerd International Raceway, theyíre going to need lots and lots of energy. Fortunately for Forest Lakeís Jed and Kristi Copham, they seem to have a limitless supply.

Last month, the Cophams took control of BIR and wasted little time with getting involved in their new business venture. The weekend of August 10-13 found them hosting the Lucas Oil National Hot Rod Association Nationals. Merely the largest drag race of the year.

ìOh yeah, jump in feet first,î Jed said. ìThatís one way to assume a business is when itís going full steam.î

Making the best of a chaotic situation, the Cophams were able to learn a lot about their recent purchase. They spent those initial days observing what they felt were strong aspects about the raceway as well as areas in which they could improve.

ìAll in all it was a successful weekend, no doubt,î Jed said.

Similar Interests

Jed and Kristi were both born and raised in Forest Lake and graduated from Forest Lake High School. On September 23 they will celebrate their six-year wedding anniversary, and being involved with BIR appeals to more than just Jed.

When Kristi first hopped behind the wheel and went for a spin, she was sold.

ìThe first time I got into the Corvette and took it around the track, I almost didnít come back until I didnít have any gas left,î she said.

ìI loved it, I loved it. Since then weíve gone all over. Iíve raced as much as I can.î

Jed has investigated other ways of owning a racetrack, but now that he and Kristi have BIR, itís probably a good thing that they didnít end up creating a brand new structure in places like Pine City or Isanti County.

When you consider the venue in Brainerd takes up 511 acres with a championship quarter-mile drag strip, a 10-turn three mile road course, seating for more than 30,000 fans, condominiums, a campground and a Go-kart facility, it makes sense when the Cophams point out how in todayís world, one could not build something of that magnitude.

According to Jed, you have more fingers and toes than there are racetracks like this throughout the entire country.

NEXT!

After surveying the scene at the nationals, the Cophamís agreed that they have two areas to address - ticketing and track safety.

They both felt the ticketing situation is far too complicated with a dizzying amount of options. Once they streamline that process they can eliminate the long lines that greet the customers.

Secondly, the safety of the drivers is a concern, and while it may be adequate for the slower amateurs, BIR would have to make improvements in order to host the pros.

ìRight now itís got some areas that are a little bit dangerous,î Jed shared. ìWeíve got to do our best to make sure itís safe.î

For now, the Cophamís will continue to juggle their time between Forest Lake and Brainerd with their 5-year-old daughter and 4-month-old son, as they try to fill BIRís calendar.

ìIím hoping to do more,î Jed said. This needs to be a year-round business. Thereís opportunity across the board on a lot of things.î

Bring on the energy.

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Forest Lake Times
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880 SW 15 St.
Forest Lake, MN 55025
651-464-4601
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