End Of An Era As ‘Drifting Duo’ Bids Farewell To BIR

The Brainerd International Raceway is saying a heartfelt thank you to two amazing people who have made 'Drifting' an amazing event week after week at BIR.

Meet Kayla and Jerel, the couple who had a dream of Drifting, and built something that became much more than just an event; it created a whole community.

THE FIRST TIME I MET JEREL SAXON

Several years ago, I met Jerel Saxon, who has been a weekly guest on my talk show for a segment called "Grinding Gears" on WJON. It's a program where our listeners can call in and talk with an auto mechanic to get some much-needed auto repair advice. Jerel is on Grinding Gears every Monday at 11:40 am to Noon, answering our listeners' questions about auto repair.

Through that program, I've had the opportunity to learn about Jerel and his partner and wife Kayla, and their true love of Drifting.

I had never heard of Drifting before meeting Jerel, and through the years, I've gotten to hear about how much fun he has had, while growing a community of people who love it just as much as he and Kayla do. I remember he invited me to come to an event, and he'd even give me a ride in a Drifting car so I could experience it for myself. (I never took him up on that offer, although now I wish I had.)

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THE EARLY DAYS OF DRIFTING AT BIR

Jerel started the 'Drifting' program 11 years ago with the owner of Brainerd International Raceway, JED, who passed away, and the owner of MGS Exhaust Service, Joe Palmer.

Kayla joined in 2019 when she met Jerel.

MG'S EXHAUST PRESENT WEDNESDAY NIGHT DRIFTING -WND!

The original name of the event was MG's Exhause Presents Wednesday Night Drifting, aka, WND for short. Then it was changed to Wide Open Wednesday.

A PLACE TO RELAX AND HAVE FUN WITHOUT COMPETING

Jerel actually started the event because at the time, there were only 2 other drifting events in Minnesota, and they were competition only. Jerel wanted a practice day, where drivers could have tons of fun while getting to practice and get better in a no-pressure environment.

DEDICATION BEYOND ANYONE'S EXPECTATIONS

For 11 years, Jerel only missed ONE Wednesday night Drift event, and that was because it was Kayla's mother's funeral.

THE END OF AN ERA

On April 3rd, 2026, BIR posted on Facebook that Kayla and Jerel would be leaving the program after their 11 years of dedication, and are getting back into racing themselves.

"It has been amazing watching everyone grow. We still plan to help the racing/drifting community by giving advice at events, and helping the new guys get started by doing beginner Drift car builds at St Cloud Quick Lube," Jerel said.

THANKFUL FOR THE COMMUNITY JEREL AND KAYLA HAVE BUILT

BIR was incredibly thankful for the dedication of their time to create an event that many would come to love over the years. BIR left a message that said, "Week after week, Jerel and Kayla showed up. Not to drive, but to make it all possible. From the early days of 15 cars...to 70+ drivers in the rain...From first-time drifters to future pros. They built more than an event. They built a community."

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DRIFTING LOVERS SPEAK OUT

Drifting lovers from all over commented on the amazing people that Jerel and Kayla are. I can't imagine how they must feel seeing the impact that they've made on the drifting community in our state.

JEREL SAYS THANK YOU

Jerel commented on the post, "I don't know what to say. The recognition means more than I know what to do with it. I can't wait to drive with everyone more. Love you all so much, and I'm glad we could make such a positive experience for everyone, and that our small idea will live on forever. I'm a very proud guy. Thank you all so much for believing in us,' he said.

FREEDOM

"We are taking a step away from working on it. Our glasses became empty after spending so much time filling others. So now, we want to return as customers, so we can enjoy the track and have fun again. You know...take that 'job feel' out, and just have fun. It will give us back the freedom that we need after giving it our all," Jerel said.