History
More than half a century ago, the Portland International Raceway site was something quite different than a park: a city. Built during World War II as housing for Kaiser shipyard workers, the city of Vanport was home to nearly 40,000 people, making it the second largest city in Oregon. But, built behind dikes, Vanport was washed away by a flood in 1948, never to be rebuilt. Left from the remains of Vanport was an intact street system, and little else, when acquired by the City of Portland in 1960. It was a time of growing interest in sports car and drag racing. Today Portland International Raceway hosts sports car and motorcycle road racing, IndyCars, drag racing, motocross, bicycle racing and running/walking events.
Specialties
Portland International Raceway hosts professional and amateur sports car racing, motorcycle road racing, the NTT IndyCar Series, NHRA drag racing, motocross, bicycle racing, swap meets and obstacle/running/walking events. Portland International Raceway is owned and operated by the City of Portland through its bureau of Parks and Recreation. The raceway is operated as an Enterprise Fund, meaning that it is self-sustaining financially. Operating expenses and capital improvements are covered by the revenues that it generates, as the raceway receives no general fund tax dollars. The raceway's varied, year round activities bring between 40 to 50 million dollars into the surrounding community each year. The track operates motorsports sanctioned events by INDYCAR, SCCA, USAC, OMRRA, USCF, NHRA, IKF, PSCR and ICSCC.