Tucked into the500-acre Delta Park in Portland’s Kenton neighborhood, Portland International Raceway is a 1.967-mile road course that traces the west bank of the Columbia River just north of the city. City-owned and operated since the 1960s, the track maintains a working-class, no-frills vibe that reflects its Pacific Northwest roots—chain-link fencing, open sightlines, and a flat terrain that keeps elevation changes minimal but challenges drivers with tight transitions and consistent rhythm sections. The proximity to the river often brings cooler temperatures and occasional fog, especially in the mornings, which affects grip and tire warm-up during early sessions. PIR is a hub for both professional and amateur motorsports, best known for its legacy in IndyCar and CART series, but equally active with IMSA sanctioning, SCCA events, track days, and club racing throughout the year. Motorcycles also have a regular presence, often using the facility for timed track experiences and regional racing. Autocross events are held on dedicated infield or adjacent lots, making the venue accessible even for those without full-course permits. Because it’s embedded in a public park, spectators can bring chairs, set up near the main straight, and enjoy views of the river between sessions. It’s particularly well-suited for local drivers and clubs looking for reliable tarmac close to the city, as well as visitors wanting to combine a race weekend with access to Portland’s broader transit and hospitality network. Check the official calendar at portlandraceway.com for event types and access details.
Watch: Portland International Raceway
Know Before You Go
- Gear requirements
- Track-day organizers typically require a Snell SA-2020 helmet (or newer), long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. Many tracks have rental helmets for first-timers.
- Run groups
- Drivers are slotted into novice, intermediate, or advanced run groups based on pace and instructor sign-off. Group-jumping isn't permitted — you build up over time.
- Tech inspection
- Expect a pre-event tech form plus a visual gate check. Brake-fluid age, throttle return, battery tie-down, and seatbelt condition are the most common flags.
- Cost expectations
- HPDE / open-track days typically run $200-450 per day with 4-6 on-track sessions of 20-25 minutes each. Memberships at private clubs are substantially more.
- First-timer tip
- Most clubs require novices to ride with an instructor for the first day before being released solo. Sign up for instruction in advance — slots fill weeks ahead.