 Oh, race fans, the time is finally here and the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals are back in Brainerd this week. Our Anthony Scott tells us about all the benefits the race brings to the Brainerd Lakes area. The TV doesn't do this event any justice. Get your earplugs ready because the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals are headed back to the Brainerd International Raceway this weekend. The NHRA is a really important part of what we do here. I mean, they really, in a way, put us on the map here in Brainerd. All race fans know Brainerd because of the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals and many fans come from outside the country to enjoy the fun. The fans come from all over the country, our international, we do get a lot of Canadians down. I love the Canadians here. We are one of the closest tracks to Canada, so our Canadian market is really big. Over 100,000 people, including fans, NHRA officials, vendors and the racing teams will be enjoying what Brainerd has to offer over the next four days. The Brainerd has so much to offer, I mean, the track is a small part, I mean, the resorts and the lakes and just the really great small town feel you get here in Brainerd, it's just truly an awesome place. The University of Minnesota's Tourism Center estimates a $10 million impact on the local economy from the race. People come not only to see the event one day, but to spend time here in the area and that's the centerpiece of the experience, but they also patronize businesses. They also go out to eat, they have lodging needs and so it's a big, big impact for our area and we're just excited to have them here. But with more people, comes more traffic. Hopefully they drive the way that they're supposed to and not the way that they're going to see those race car drivers drive, but I would say if you're in the area, give yourself a little bit of extra time to get around. BIR is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and they have been hosting the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals since 1982, a testament to Brainerd's race culture. BIR is really a place where stories are made and there's a lot of us out there have a passion for our cars. Racing starts tomorrow with the sportsmen qualifying and then the nitro and pro stock qualifying will begin Friday. Businesses start your engines because race fans have arrived in central Minnesota. Racing from Brainerd, Anthony Scott, Lakeland News. Tickets are still available for the NHRA races and can be purchased at the box office. If you enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland PBS.