Drag-racing fans in Minnesota understand the strength of 10,000-horsepower dragsters, but the power of nature was even greater Sunday night at Brainerd International Raceway.

Straight-line winds clocked at 60-70 mph ripped through the 800-acre facility adjacent to North Long Lake in Crow Wing County, Minn., and caused extensive damage to the facility that is scheduled to host the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in six weeks.

According to the track's web site, which included photos of the destruction, the storm collapsed and spiral-twisted toppled and twisted a huge section of bleachers lining the dragstrip, tore the roofs off of the press box and the main shop, rolled over at least two RVs in the campground, blew down dozens of signs, flipped over large dumpsters, and knocked down "too many trees to count."

No injuries have been reported.

Most of the facility was without power Monday morning, and the ticket office will remain closed until power has been restored. That also means computers are not operating, so BIR is unable to sell tickets online.

So far the only event cancelled is this week's Wednesday Night Street Drags. The CRA Superbike Racing scheduled for this weekend is still a go.

Minneapolis television station KARE (Channel 11) reported unconfirmed sightings of four tornadoes in Grant, Otter Tail, and Wilkin counties, all west of Brainerd, and wind gusts of 80 mph in Morrison and Douglas counties, to the south and west of Brainerd. About 12,000 area residents waited into Monday for power to be restored.

Gary Curtis, owner/director of Performance Driving School, saw his building on the property sustain minimal damage.
 
"We appreciate all the phone calls and e-mails we have been receiving in the aftermath of this weather occurrence and the outpouring of concern regarding our health and our welfare," Curtis said in a prepared statement. "Our track community is a strong family, and we appreciate all of the goodwill we have received. Thank you again for the outpouring of support!  Please be assured that everyone is safe and that business will continue uninterrupted."
 
BIR owners/operators Jed and Kristi Copham, according to track web site, are dealing with damage at their home, as well as the chaos at the racetrack.
 

The facility put out a call for clean-up volunteers:
 
"BIR is coordinating volunteers who want to help clean up the track. People with chainsaws are badly needed. We also need people who can help pick up garbage and debris, clear branches and timber, and generally help out with whatever else needs to be done. Dress appropriately and bring work gloves, water, and snacks for yourself. Volunteers should just show up at the front gate for instructions."

The site also warns:  

"PLEASE, the track is closed to anyone who just wants to view the storm damage. Some parts of the track are still dangerous. Unless you're coming to help work, you are not allowed inside the track."

The Cophams thanked those who already have helped: "A HUGE thank you to those who have already graciously volunteered to help out. We can't thank you enough. We really appreciate it."

The Aug. 20-23 Lucas Oil Nationals will mark the NHRA's 34th visit to the central Minnesota racetrack.