Behind the Scenes: Ready, Set, Go Racing at the BIR Race Track [VIDEO]

BRAINERD -- This week in our "Behind the Scene" series, we put the pedal to the medal at the Brainerd International Raceway.

Before you make it on the track, you need to learn the safety measures behind operating a spec racer.

Gary Curtis is the Director of the BIR performance drive school. He says knowing how to

drive smoothly will help you drive safe.

"Any wrong move, if it's not smooth it's not safe. You can't be fast and safe if you're not smooth," says Curtis.

For 22 years Curtis has been teaching students how to drive like the pro's. He says they start our every training session by getting the students familiar with the course.

"After the drive around, we go through all the things you need to know in the classroom and then you either do a lead and follow if you're driving one of our spec racers or you can drive your car and we will ride along until you're comfortable," says Curtis.

Once on the track, you are guided around on the first lap and if you feel comfortable can let the engine roar.

"Some people tend to keep the speeds down the first time, because the feeling of speed is so different then your street car," says Curtis.

With speeds up to 135mph Curtis says they inspect the vehicles after each ride to make sure they operate safe and efficiently.

They also have a full staff on hand throughout the course in case a crash should happen.

"We never run an event without our corner workers, safety crew, fire rescue and ambulance," says Curtis.

BIR offers multiple classes for you to drive just like the racers. They also hold the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals every year.