The body of Brainerd International Raceway owner Jed Copham, 47, was recovered this morning at a boat ramp in Punta Rassa, Florida. Copham reportedly fell overboard on Sunday near the Sanibel Causeway. Multiple agencies responding to a man overboard call searched the water until dark and were to resume the search this morning.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office received a call about a body at the landing at 9:50 a.m. on Monday, which was identified as Copham. Copham and his wife of 18 years, Kristi, have owned Brainerd International Raceway since 2006, turning the central Minnesota landmark into a multi-use facility that hosts several forms of motorsports throughout the summer, as well as car shows, car club meets and the Lakes Jam music festival.
Copham was an avid racer, and never missed a chance to take a demo ride at the snowmobile watercross events held each summer at BIR. Many racers, spectators, campers and concert goers have stories of Copham spending time with them during the busy weekends as if he were part of their crew.
He was the father of a 12 year old son and 17 year old daughter.
