04/01/2026
Brainerd International Raceway Announces Major Facility Transformation for 2027: “The Pond”
Writer: Brainerd International Raceway
Brainerd International Raceway
A new chapter at BIR blends motorsports, lake culture, and a few surprises beneath the surface.
Brainerd, MN — In a move that signals a bold new chapter for one of the Midwest’s most iconic motorsports facilities, Brainerd International Raceway (BIR) has announced plans to transform its legendary Zoo Campground into a fully immersive aquatic venue, officially named “The Pond.”
The initiative is designed to embrace Minnesota’s deep-rooted boating, fishing, and lake-life culture while expanding BIR’s position as a year-round destination for entertainment, recreation, and motorsports.
“The Zoo has always had a life of its own,” said BIR General Manager Sara Walker. “We’re simply leaning into it—just with a little more water.”
The Pond will feature multiple on-water dining and bar establishments, with access available exclusively by boat. Guests will be able to reserve pond-side camping slips, dock their vessels, and experience a reimagined festival environment from the water.
Live entertainment will include scheduled appearances by the Ski Loons, bringing high-energy waterski performances to the center of the venue. Grandstand seating is planned to wrap key areas of The Pond, offering spectators a front-row view of both the action on the water and the culture that has defined BIR for decades.
In a unique nod to the Zoo’s legacy, BIR will introduce guided submersible and diving tours, allowing guests to explore what officials describe as “artifacts of past Zoo expeditions.” These underwater exhibits will highlight the remains of unsuccessful boating attempts by past attendees who, in hindsight, may have overestimated both their equipment and decision-making.
Owner Kristi Copham has played a hands-on role in shaping this portion of the concept, drawing from her personal passion for scuba diving and snorkeling.
“Some of my favorite experiences have been exploring underwater environments,” said Copham. “The idea of bringing that element to BIR—while tying it back to the history of the Zoo—is something I’m genuinely excited about, both personally and professionally.”
As part of the expansion, BIR also confirmed early-stage discussions for a potential original streaming series titled Drive to Survive: BIR Zoo Edition, with casting opportunities expected to be announced ahead of the 2027 season.
The Pond is designed to operate year-round, with winter programming expected to include ice fishing tournaments, ice drags, and seasonal polar plunge events—further reinforcing BIR’s position as a four-season destination.
“We’ve been fortunate to start building momentum on the winter side already, especially with the X Racing Sunday Funday snowcross group this past February,” said Walker. “Expanding that into something like this next winter is pretty exciting.”
She continued, “Ever since I moved here a little over a year and a half ago, BIR just keeps creating moments you didn’t see coming—but end up being the highlight of your weekend. That’s part of what makes this place what it is. And this one is going to be hard to top.”
Construction timelines and additional details will be announced in the coming months.
About Brainerd International Raceway
Brainerd International Raceway (BIR) is a nearly 600-acre, family-owned motorsports complex in Minnesota’s Brainerd Lakes region, established in 1968 as Donnybrooke Speedway. The facility features two purpose-built road courses, a nationally recognized NHRA-sanctioned quarter-mile drag strip, multiple driftable surfaces, and full event infrastructure supporting more than 260 annual event days. BIR hosts a wide range of motorsports disciplines—including drag racing, road racing, drifting, autocross, motorcycles, and HPDE programs—and is home to the NHRA Brainerd Nationals, one of the largest annual events in the region.
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