The Ultimate Outdoor Adventure Guide

Race at top speeds

By Anna Stevens

The Adventure: Race car driving lessons at Brainerd International raceway will quench your need for speed. Your adventure as a race car driver will start with a classroom instruction session followed by a driving tour of the track with an experienced instructor. From there the track is yours: race against other new race car drivers and perfect your turns in the BIR spec race cars. Own your own performance sedan or sports car? Want to see it reach top speeds? Bring it along and drive it for your lessons instead of the spec racers.

What We Wrote About It (Steve Lange, July ‘08): “... And it feels fast. Maybe 125 fast. Maybe 130. I’ve caught the group of cars in front of me. Made it known that, oh yeah, I’m going to pass them. I mean, I could be a damn race car driver.”

What You Need To Know: BIR Open Race days are scheduled throughout the summer from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 3, 4, 5, 13, and 27, and August 3 and 31. All you need to bring is thin-soled, closed-toe comfortable shoes.

Where You Go: BIR Performance School, Brainerd International Raceway, 5523 Birchdale Road, Brainerd.

What You Pay: Morning instruction and one 25-minute session in spec racer car, $295; half day in spec racer, $785; full day in spec racer, $1,395; full day with your own vehicle, $265. Check website for more packages. Lunch provided with each package.

Find Out More: 866-511-7606; www.birperformance.com