2007 was the last time an IndyCar race occurred in the PNW, which saw the Mazda Grand Prix of Portland. In 2018, however, IndyCar is returning to race at the Portland International Raceway.
“It is very exciting to see INDYCAR racing coming back to the Rose City,” says Portland Parks Commissioner Amanda Fritz. “Portland International Raceway continues to be an integral part of the City’s recreation portfolio. We will be working closely with neighborhoods to ensure that this is a successful event.”
The Mazda Road to Indy calendar was announced and the Grand Prix of Portland is returning to Portland International Raceway (PIR) August 31 through September 2 for round 16 of 17 in the 2018 Verizon IndyCar Series.
“We are excited to have Portland on the schedule, which will be a great circuit for our season finales in the three series,” said Dan Anderson, owner and chief executive officer of Anderson Promotions, the company overseeing operations of Mazda Road to Indy.
Three series will be returning: Indy Lights presented by Cooper Tires (last raced in 2001), Pro Mazda Championship (last raced in 2006), and the USF2000 Championships (last raced in 2007).
“Indy car fans in Portland and the Pacific Northwest have waited a long time for this day. Thank you to Mayor Wheeler, Commissioner Fritz and their teams at the City of Portland and INDYCAR for joining together to help us make this happen,” said Kevin Savoree, co-owner, president and chief operating officer of Green Savoree Racing Promotions.
General admission tickets for the race start at $20, while reserved grandstand seating will be $75. More ticketing options will be announced as the race nears. To follow all the Grand Prix of Portland news, follow @Portland_GP on Twitter or Instagram, visit portlandgp.com, or stay tuned to The Auto Reporter for updates as they come out.