The racing careers for brothers Alex and Ryan Braseth of Ulen all began with their father reading a newspaper ad.
“It all started with my dad reading a newspaper and seeing the go-kart ad for Red River Kart Club,” Alex said. “That’s where it took off.”
The two brothers got their starts in the go-karts, and now race in the INEX Legend class at Norman County Raceway in Ada, Red River Valley Speedway in West Fargo and Buffalo River Speedway in Glyndon each week – and both are usually found in contention for wins and top five finishes on a consistent basis.
Alex, 22, has 10 feature wins in the INEX Legend class since 2017, but enjoyed a big year in 2022 with five wins, the most for him in a single-season. HE was second in points at Norman County Raceway in 2018.
Ryan, 20, has 25 wins since 2019, including 11 during the 2021 season alone when he won points titles at Sheyenne Speedway and Norman County Raceway.
Long-time driver Tony Brockhouse helped the Braseths get into the INEX Legends class and is instrumental in the setup of both cars.
“Tony Brockhouse does most of the work on our cars, it’s pretty much all him,” Ryan said.
The Braseths raced the Legend cars in 2016 for a few nights before tackling bigger schedules in 2017. They’ve been right at home in the class since.
“They’re pretty touchy and quick so you have to be on all the time,” Ryan said. “They’re pretty fun.”
“I love this class,” Alex said. “Every car is pretty much the same. They’re definitely the toughest car to drive.”
When it comes to racing against each other on the track, the two brothers have a bit of a sibling rivalry. They aren’t afraid to race each other hard.
“It’s pretty fun; it’s different because I can race him harder than the other racers,” Ryan said. “Because I know he won’t get as mad if I wreck him. I try and beat him.”
“It’s fun,” Alex said. “We’re both pretty even; we rough each other up once in a while. I can’t get beat by my little brother.”
The depth of competition has risen in the INEX Legends locally in recent years, and it makes getting to the winner’s circle that much tougher.
“It will be pretty tough,” Ryan said. “Every race is a fight.”
This season, both brothers have been running well. Ryan has four top five finishes in six starts; Alex has one victory, Sunday at Buffalo River, and three top fives in seven starts. Both have high hopes for the 2023 season.
“Win as much as possible,” Ryan said. “But just have fun every night.”
“Just take it one race at a time, and get a win every once in a while,” Alex said. “and keep it in one piece.”
Driver Profiles
Alex Braseth
INEX Legend #20
Age: 22
Residence: Ulen, Minn.
Ryan Braseth
INEX Legend #29
Age: 20
Residence: Ulen, Minn.
Sponsors for both cars: Premier Service Center, Legends Central, Braseth Construction
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