Grand Prix of Portland
Portland International Raceway
August 30 - September 1, 2019
Round #16
GENERAL INFO – Portland International Raceway is owned by the City of Portland, Oregon. The track is designated a city park and operated by the Parks and Recreation Department. Portland International is self-sufficient and does not receive public funding for operation. The track was opened in 1961 and sits on 291 acres of property, much which was once known as Vanport, Oregon, a city constructed to house shipbuilders and their families during World War 2.* The track now hosts 550 annual events, will host 350,000 visitors annually IndyCar returned to the facility after an absence of 10 years in 2017. The first IndyCar event was held in 1984 with Al Unser, Jr. the winner. This event will be held over the Labor Day weekend and they anticipate a large crowd.
Portland International Raceway is one of the few permanent road courses in the country that is within city limits, not in an obscure country setting. The track is 6 miles west of the airport, making it easily accessible by air. It is also listed in the National Historic Register. See * note on Vanport below.
Make sure to dress comfortably and wear comfortable shoes. If you have a pit pass, you must wear closed toed shoes. As with all permanent road courses, to see the event, you’ll want to wander around, especially during practices and other events to fully appreciate the course and it’s 12 turns. IndyCar will share the weekend with Indy Lights, Indy Pro 2000 and the Cooper Tires USF2000 series. General admission is inexpensive for all three days and kids 12 and under are FREE general admission with a paying adult! This will include a paddock pass for the child! Inquire at the ticket number for details.
Expect security at entry gates. See prohibited items tab. Bring your binoculars, coolers, scanners, camera, purse, backpack and a seat cushion. OK to bring folding camping chairs, strollers, umbrellas and disability aids. Bring a lock to secure the wheelchairs, scooters or strollers under the grandstands. The track does not assume responsibility for these items. Coolers are ok, but no alcohol or glass containers. Come prepared for weather of any variety, hot, windy, chilly or wet or any combination. Track walkovers will require walking strenuous stairs. All animals must remain on a leash and you are responsible for pet waste. Pets are discouraged, ADA animals are always welcome. IndyCar will share the track with the Road to Indy, Indy Pro, Indy Lights and USF2000.
*City of Vanport was a bustling city during World War 2, developed by industrialist Henry Kaiser, of steel and aluminum background. Built in 1942 in just 110 days, it provided temporary housing for some 40,000 residents who worked in the shipyards. It flourished to become the second largest city of Oregon. Vanport was developed on unincorporated land between Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR. After the War, although the ship building business was in decline, many continued to live in the town. In the spring of 1948, the dams failed along the riverway, and a flood washed away the entire city in a matter of a few hours, leaving fatalities, causalities and some 17,000 residents homeless! This is now the site of Portland International Raceway. If you walk the grounds, there are a couple of places where you can see the former foundations of these houses.
SPECIFIC LOCATION – 1940 N Victory BL, Portland, Oregon 97217. Take Interstate 5 to Exit 306B. Follow signs. Pacific Time Zone.
TRACK WEBSITE – portlandgp.com
TRACK CONFIGURATION – 1.967-mile permanent road course,12 turns.
PREFERRED AIRPORT – Portland International Airport (PDX) 6 miles west of the track.
PARKING – Expect to pay for parking regardless of where you park. 3 day and individual day parking permits are sold for track parking. ADA parking is available with a fee charged. Parking is available outside the main entry gate, but highly recommended to pre-purchase parking, particularly on race day. Call 1-888-476-4479.
A nice alternative might be to use light rail to arrive at the track. You must get on the yellow line and exit at the Delta Park Vanport exit - it practically drops you off right at the front gate of the facility. Trimet.org (MAX is the name of the rail system) can provide additional information. Off site parking lots have been established for race weekend in conjunction with TriMet/MAX, one particular is the Rose Quarter Moda Center. Each vehicle is charged $20 daily for parking, which includes one rail ticket. Additional rail ticket required for each passenger. If you decide to use the rail option, travel light, as it is a walk of approximately ¼ mile from the train station to the track entry. Plus, it's only $5 for a daily pass.
CREDENTIALS – Credentials can be picked up at the Red Lion Hotel, 909 N Hayden Island Drive, Portland, OR 97217. The Red Lion is 2 exit north of the track. For pit entry, everyone must wear close toed shoes.
ENTRY POINTS – Follow signs off Interstate 5, Exit 306B and follow the signs to the track. There is a light rail stop about a quarter of a mile from the track. See parking tab for further details.
TICKET INFO – A variety of ticket packages are available, including one that includes a paddock pass. General admission will not provide a grandstand seat, grandstand seating is sold separately. Kids 12 and under get free general admission, but no grandstand seat. You can buy one day or all three days or grandstand seating or general admission. Smoking is NOT permitted in the grandstand or hospitality areas. Check the website at portlandgp.com or call or 1-888-476-4479. All tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Will call for tickets are at the main entrance.
PROHIBITED ITEMS – No alcohol or glass containers to be brought in. No illegal drugs, fires, grills or fireworks. No weapons or scaffolding allowed. No banners, noise makers, horns, balloons or beach balls. Leave at home or in the car camcorders and camera lenses that exceed 10”. No aerosol cans, bottles, skateboards, skates, scooters or bicycles. No golf carts for personal use. No distributing handbills or samples. No drones, laser pointers, motorcycles or off- road vehicles. No large duffel bags or luggage will get in. Prepare for security at the gate.
CAMPING – All camping permits are sold out.
QUESTIONS? – portlandgp.com
Judy Bickel, IndyCar Nation member