A Press release from Brainerd International Raceway announced today that the 39th Annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals will be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event was scheduled for Aug. 13-16. A new date has not been set.
The NHRA resumed its racing schedule last weekend at the E3 Spark Plugs NHRA Nationals in Indianapolis. With Indiana’s state guidelines, the NHRA was able to host a limited number of fans. According to BIR Owner Kristi Copham, BIR’s situation is more complicated, especially with on-site camping and a layout that makes social distancing difficult.
Copham went on to say: “Our first and foremost concern is the health and safety of our fans, vendors, staff and race teams,” she said. “We’re looking at this from every angle imaginable to figure out a way to put on a safe show for our fans, who deserve their annual dose of NHRA racing. I’m on the phone almost daily with state and county officials who have been generous with their time in working with us to figure out how we can host Nationals this season, which is so important to the regional economy and our fans.”
According to the press release, BIR is working with the NHRA to find a new weekend in September, which will buy the track more time to work through the logistics of hosting a Nationals event while still meeting state and county restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fans are still able to buy tickets for Nationals. They will get full credit for the tickets regardless if BIR finds a new date this season to host Nationals or if the event is cancelled this year. The credits will then be good for next year’s event. Refunds are available by calling the Ticket Office.
More details are available on the BIR website: www.BrainerdRaceway.com.
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