Portland Raceway: Everything You Need to Know

Portland International Raceway (PIR) is a 268-acre racing complex located in Historic Vanport on the north side of Portland. It is the premier racetrack in the Pacific Northwest and is home to more than 500 events per year and an average of 55 bike races per year.

What you can see at PIR

Portland International Raceway is home to a variety of racing and local events.

IndyCar

The track’s signature race is the Grand Prix of Portland, which takes place at the end of summer each year. The race is a 12-turn, nearly two-mile-long road track that’s been a part of the Indycar Series since 1984. That year, Al Unser Jr. won the inaugural race.

NASCAR

PIR is also home to a NASCAR Xfinity Series race in 2022. The 2022 race was the first NASCAR race in the Pacific Northwest since 2000. It was a big moment for the track, as it signaled the emergence of Portland as a PNW hub for America’s most popular motorsports circuit.

“What an exciting day for Portland and Pacific Northwest race fans,” track promoter Kevin Savorree said after NASCAR announced its Portland stop. “This region of the country hasn’t had a visit from a NASCAR national series in over two decades. We are thrilled the wait is over. When the NASCAR Xfinity Series stops at PIR next June, it will deliver great racing and strong economic impact to the region.”

Motorcross

PIR is home to Thursday Night Motocross, America’s longest-running nighttime motocross racing series. TNMX has been going on for more than 50 years, and typically kicks off its racing season in April.

The end of the season happens around the start of fall. At that time, the racing series hands out high-point awards and its Red Bull Dirty Dozen Champions awards.

The motocross series offers classes for riders ages 4 and up, and from bike sizes ranging from 50cc to 250cc. There are classes for older riders, including the Over the Hill group (30 and up) and the Old Timer group (40 and up).

The track also hosts a series of motorcycle road races that typically run from spring to the end of summer.

Local events

In addition to motorcycle, Indy, and NASCAR races, PIR is home to a few drag races each year, swap meets, and cruise–ins.

How to get there

PIR is located just off Interstate 5 near the state line. Residents on the west side of Portland can hop on the 405 and then take the five, while those in east side neighborhoods like Maywood Park and The Grotto and take 30B to the 5.

As for public transportation, the MAX Yellow Line and Blue Line‘s Delta Park/Vanport stop is right next to the track. For those who like the bus, the easiest route is the 105 to the 060.

How much are tickets?

Tickets prices for events at PIR range from around $10 for motocross races, swap meets, and cruise-ins to more than $100 for the Grand Prix of Portland. The grand prix events charge separate fees for entrance and parking.

Where can you park?

Portland International Raceway has on-site parking that’s included in most local events. Parking for bigger events like the Grand Prix of Portland requires an additional fee separate from the entrance fee.

Parking is also available at the Portland Expo Center, hotels near the racetrack, the Janzen Beach Center, and the Red Lion Hotel on the River.

If you’re taking public transportation to the Grand Prix of Portland, TriMet offers a package deal for around $20 that includes parking at the Rose Quarter Transit Center and a round–trip ticket to PIR.