Brainerd International Raceway will debut the American Rebel Light Friday Night “Battle for the Rebel Axe” during the 43rd annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals on Aug. 15.
The Friday night qualifying session begins at 6:15 p.m. CT and will award low qualifiers in Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock with cash bonuses and a custom Rebel Axe trophy. The trophy is a functional electric cigar box guitar shaped like a 12-pack of American Rebel Light, branded with event and sponsor logos, and paying homage to Brainerd’s Paul Bunyan heritage.
Winners will also sit on the “Throne of the North,” built from American Rebel Light cases, until they are unseated or retain the top spot. Bonus payouts include $4,000 each for the Top Fuel and Funny Car leaders and $2,000 for Pro Stock.
“Brainerd has always had its own magic, but Friday’s ‘Battle for the Rebel Axe’ takes it to another level,” track owner Kristi Copham said. “With the incredible support of American Rebel Light and Andy Ross, we’re able to give fans and racers an awesome Friday night with a bonus payout, a one-of-a-kind trophy, and some special Brainerd bragging rights.”
The second qualifying session will lead into live music at the Zoom entrance band shell starting at 8 p.m., headlined by Andy Ross at 10 p.m. Additional attractions during the weekend include the Mud Rhythm Truck Series in the “Zoo” campground, The Patriot monster truck, and drift car displays.
