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Located in Portland, Oregon, Portland International Raceway (PIR) is a permanent road course that has been in operation since 1961. The raceway is owned by the City of Portland and is operated by Friends of PIR, a non-profit organization. The track is a popular destination for motorsports enthusiasts in the Pacific Northwest, hosting a variety of races and events throughout the year.
PIR is a 12-turn, 1.97-mile (3.17 km) track with long straights and a mix of slow and fast corners. The layout of the track has remained largely unchanged since its inception, although it has undergone several upgrades over the years to improve safety and facilities. The track is known for its unique feature of a crossing over the track, where one section of the track goes over the other, creating a distinctive shape.
The track has a seating capacity of around 40,000, with grandstands located on both sides of the track. PIR is also equipped with floodlights, allowing for night racing, and is open year-round for events and testing. The track features a variety of configurations, including a long course that incorporates the drag strip and a short course that uses only the infield section of the track.
The PIR track map shows the various configurations available, including the main track, drag strip, and infield course. The main track consists of 12 turns and is the most commonly used configuration for races and events. The drag strip is located on the straightaway of the main track and is used for drag racing and testing. The infield course is a shorter track that uses only the infield section of the main track and is used for testing and smaller events.
PIR hosts a variety of races and events throughout the year, including the Portland Vintage Racing Festival, the Portland Rose Cup, and the Grand Prix of Portland. The Portland Vintage Racing Festival is a three-day event that celebrates the history of motorsports, featuring a wide range of vintage race cars from various eras. The Portland Rose Cup is a classic car race that features a variety of cars from different eras and is open to the public for viewing.
The Grand Prix of Portland is a professional open-wheel racing event that is part of the IndyCar series. The event takes place over three days and features multiple races, including the main event, a 105-lap race on the main track. The event draws large crowds from across the Pacific Northwest and is one of the most popular races held at PIR.
PIR is also a popular destination for testing and track days, with multiple organizations offering open track days for car and motorcycle enthusiasts. The track is equipped with state-of-the-art safety features, including barrier walls, catch fences, and safety vehicles.
One of the unique features of PIR is its location, situated on the grounds of the Portland International Raceway and Expo Center. This location provides a wide range of amenities for spectators, including ample parking, concessions, and restrooms. The Expo Center also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including car shows, concerts, and other large-scale events.
PIR is easily accessible from both downtown Portland and the Portland International Airport, with multiple access points from the surrounding highways. The track is also located near several major hotels, making it a convenient destination for out-of-town visitors.
In recent years, PIR has undergone several upgrades and improvements, including the installation of new safety barriers, repaving of the main track, and updates to the facilities. These improvements have helped to modernize the track and ensure that it continues to meet the needs of modern motorsports.