32nd annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals

[GlennLever]

32nd  annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals
Aug. 15-18

Brainerd Int’l Raceway
5523 Birchdale Road
Brainerd, MN 56401
www.brainerdraceway.com
Elevation: 1,200 feet
Tickets: www.brainerdraceway.com; 218-824-RACE (7223);
866-444-4455
Radio Frequency: 105.3 FM

NHRA’s version of a weeklong campout, this event is a popular stop due to the area’s recreational opportunities. Avid fishers often spend the days before the event trolling the area’s many lakes for walleye, bass, and northern pike, and a huge on-site campground provides nightly camaraderie for racegoers who sit around fires discussing the day’s action. A 700-foot concrete launchpad, one of the longest on the tour, helps boost performances at the second-to-last event at which teams can secure positions for the Countdown to the Championship.

2012 Recap: Morgan Lucas (Top Fuel) was triumphant at the flagship Lucas Oil event, defeating Antron Brown in the final. Ron Capps (Funny Car) claimed the points lead with his third win of the season. Erica Enders-Stevens (Pro Stock) scored her second straight win while Eddie Krawiec (Pro Stock ­Motorcycle) completed his third in a row.

How to Get There: The track is six miles north of Brainerd on Highway 371 North. From Minneapolis, take Highway 10 North to Highway 371 North; go north to the track.

Visitor Information: Brainerd Int’l Raceway, 218-824-7223 or 866-444-4455; Brainerd Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, 218-829-2838 or 800-450-2838; Nisswa Chamber of Commerce, 218-963-2620 or 800-950-9610