NHRA Mourns Passing Of Brainerd International Raceway Owner Jed Copham

The racing family is mourning the loss of one of its own today following the tragic passing of Jed Copham. Copham, who was the owner of Brainerd International Raceway in Brainerd, MN, lost his life in a boating incident off the coast of Florida.

Copham, the charismatic owner and manager of BIR, worked tirelessly to build the track into one of the most anticipated stops on the NHRA tour each year. Not only was the track known for consistently producing world record elapsed times, but it is also home to the infamous “Brainerd Zoo”, the untamed camping area that draws countless fans from all over the country. Fans and drivers alike hit The Zoo when the racing concludes each day to join in the huge after-hours party.

A quote from the NHRA website echoed the sentiments of racers and fans across social media: “Twelve years ago, Jed and his wife Kristi took over what has become a legendary race track on the NHRA national event circuit.  On behalf of everyone at NHRA, we send our deepest condolences to Kristi, their children and all of their family and friends,” said NHRA President Glen Cromwell. “Jed looked forward to the future of the sport and innovations in racing. We appreciate all of the ideas and forward thinking that he brought to NHRA racing. We will sorely miss him and our thoughts and prayers are with Kristi and his entire family.”

Copham was also a racer himself, competing at Brainerd in the 90’s in drag racing and road racing events before taking over the day to day operations of the track in 2006. He was just 46 years old and is survived by his wife Kristi and their two children.

We send our sincerest condolences to Jed’s family and friends, as well as his extended family at BIR and the NHRA.

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