Jed Copham was an American racer and businessman best known as the owner of Brainerd International Raceway. On November 13, 2018, Copham was found dead in a boating accident in Florida. Jed Copham net worth is unavailable and is under review at the moment.
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Quick Facts About Jed Copham
| Full Name | Jed Copham |
| Profession | Businessman |
| Nationality | American |
| Last Updated | March 2026 |
Jed and his wife Kristi Copeham bought BIR also known as Brainerd International Raceway in 2006. After purchasing, Jed described it was the proud moment of his career at that time. He said: “As amateur road racers and occasional drag racers, my family and I are excited about the purchase of BIR, Like many around the State of Minnesota and the Midwest, our family has been coming to BIR for years as participants and spectators. The opportunity for our company to purchase this facility and continue its legacy is a welcomed challenge we look forward to for many years to come.”
BIR is a road course and dragstrip racing complex in Minnesota. It also includes kart track. The raceway hosts the National Hot Rod Association’s Lucas Oil Nationals.
According to several news, Jed Copehma has died in a boating accident off the coast of Florida. The local sheriff’s office told that he was found in water near Punta Rassa boat ramp at approx. 9:50 Eastern Time on Monday. Some reports suggested that he fell overboard while on a yacht. An investigation is ongoing but the sheriff’s says there appears to be no criminal link to the case.
Geogg Gorvin, a BIR spokesman said in a statement: “This is a tragic and sad day for Brainerd International Raceway, the entire racing community and the Brainerd Lakes Area, Everyone here is still in shock and trying to make sense out of it. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to Jed’s wife, Kristi, his two children, his parents and his extended family.
Jed is survived by his wife,a 17-year old daughter and 12 year old son.
Jed Copham Net Worth: Under Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jed Copham’s net worth in 2026?
Jed Copham’s net worth and financial details are regularly updated. Check the sections above for the most current information about his earnings and assets.
What is Jed Copham known for?
Jed Copham is primarily known for his career in business. He has built a significant following and reputation in their field over the years.
Where is Jed Copham from?
For detailed information about Jed Copham’s background, early life, and origins, refer to the biography sections above.
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Early Life and Education
John “Jed” Copham was born in 1972 and grew up in Forest Lake, Minnesota, in a family deeply invested in both business and personal achievement. His parents, Dave and Cheryl Copham, placed a strong emphasis on education and instilled in Jed a drive to pursue a meaningful career path. From an early age, Jed demonstrated an exceptional passion for motorsports, starting with motocross racing while still in high school. His father, Dave, recognized his enthusiasm and made him an offer: if Jed maintained good grades in high school, Dave would help him build a hot rod.
After completing high school, Jed initially joined the family business, Liberty Check Printers, which had been founded by his father in 1985. However, a pivotal conversation with a coworker motivated him to pursue higher education. He enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, one of the region’s premier engineering and technology institutions. Even while attending college full-time, he remained committed to his family by continuing to work weekends at Liberty Check Printers. In 1997, Jed graduated from UW-Stout with a bachelor’s degree in industrial technology.
Career Highlights
Following his graduation, Jed Copham worked within the family’s printing business, applying his engineering education to operational improvements. In 2005, a major transition occurred when the Copham family sold Liberty Check Printers. The following year, in 2006, Jed and his wife Kristi made a transformative investment by purchasing Brainerd International Raceway (BIR), a 600-acre motorsports facility located in Brainerd, Minnesota.
As the owner of BIR, Jed immediately set out to transform the facility into one of the premier racing destinations in the Upper Midwest. One of his most significant achievements was the design and construction of a new section of track that separated the road course from the drag strip, dramatically improving both safety and operational efficiency. The facility added new scoreboards, expanded parking, implemented a new ticketing system, and dramatically improved traffic flow during events.
Beyond infrastructure improvements, Jed was known as a hands-on owner who could be found cleaning restrooms, mowing lawns, and addressing operational needs. He was also an accomplished racer himself, competing in SCCA races, International Watercross Association events, and high-level endurance races. He even traveled to Daytona International Speedway to compete in Trans Am Series events. The NHRA organization recognized his significant contributions to the motorsports industry.
Personal Life and Legacy
Jed Copham’s personal life was characterized by his deep love for his wife, Kristi, and their shared passion for motorsports and business. Together, he built Brainerd International Raceway into a world-class facility and created a partnership that extended beyond business into his personal commitment to the sport of racing and the surrounding community.
On November 11, 2018, Jed’s life was cut tragically short at the age of 46 in a swimming accident while vacationing in Florida. He had been swimming from his parents’ boat near Punta Rassa, just south of Fort Myers, when he went missing. He was visiting to celebrate his father Dave’s 75th birthday when the accident occurred. His sudden death shocked the motorsports community and left a profound impact on everyone who had worked with him.
Following Jed’s death, his sister Kristen “Mae” Copham donated $1 million to the University of Wisconsin-Stout to establish the John “Jed” Copham Memorial Engineering Scholarship and a companion professorship in his name. Beginning with the 2022-23 academic year, three students pursuing engineering degrees each receive a $5,000 scholarship annually, with priority given to projects involving motorsports research. Jed is remembered as an innovative thinker, dedicated entrepreneur, skilled engineer, and compassionate individual whose influence continues to shape the future of motorsports and engineering education.
