New and Returning Partners Fuel Momentum for this Major Event in the Pacific Northwest
PORTLAND, Ore. (August 30, 2019) – A growing tradition of Labor Day weekend is now underway at Portland International Raceway (PIR). The Grand Prix of Portland is happening through Sunday and offers non-stop action on and off the race track at the historic venue in north Portland.
The NTT IndyCar Series returns to PIR and the Pacific Northwest for Round 16 of 17 of its season championship in the 105-lap headliner race on Sunday. Doubleheaders will be held for all three open-wheel development series comprising the Road to Indy presented by Cooper Tires.
Additional full-fender action will be provided by Global Mazda MX-5 Cup, and the debut of the high-flying Stadium SUPER Trucks taking on the asphalt and air of PIR for the first time. Eleven total races are on the docket for the weekend. Visit portlandgp.com for the complete schedule of racing and fan activities.
Some of the off track festivities include driver autograph sessions, The Week in IndyCar on The Marshall Pruett Podcast converging on the Cooper Tires Stage late Saturday afternoon, numerous festival-goer activations, displays and vendors filling the event site. Plus, with a paddock pass, fans can get up close to the stars and cars of IndyCar inside the “locker room” of motorsports.
The Grand Prix of Portland is also a part of the race to help save lives. For the American Red Cross, the James Hinchcliffe Blood Drive takes place on Saturday. Visit redcrossblood.org and use the sponsor code “Indy” to join the donor list.
“A stop at the Grand Prix of Portland is a great way to finish off the summer season,” said Jerry Jensen, general manager of the Grand Prix of Portland. “Our sponsors and partners made the inaugural event a success last year, and they are further accelerating the excitement for another great weekend for our fans and festival-goers.”
Balboa Winery is one of several new partners to the Grand Prix of Portland. Others include The Greenbrier Companies, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Oregon Department of Transportation with its “Park Your Phone” campaign, and Pendleton Whiskey.
“Balboa Winery is pleased to be teaming with the 2019 Grand Prix of Portland as the official winery for the event,” said Tom Glase, Balboa Winery Director of Winemaking and Partner. “Balboa is proud to align our premium wines to this great Northwest event.”
Returning as supporters of the Grand Prix of Portland are BMW, B. Young RV, Columbia Credit Union, Cooper Tires, Coors Light, Firestone, Mountain Dew, The Oregonian, Pearl Catering, and Red Lion Hotel on the River - Jantzen Beach.
The Grand Prix of Portland is a tremendous family value. Tickets start at just $20. Children 12 and under receive free general admission to the event and free admission to the NTT IndyCar Series paddock throughout the weekend when accompanied by a ticketed adult. Visit portlandgp.com for ticket information.
ABOUT GRAND PRIX OF PORTLAND
Portland International Raceway (PIR) is the home of the Grand Prix of Portland. PIR is a 1.964-mile, 12-turn permanent road course owned by the City of Portland and operated under the Portland Parks and Recreation. Opened in 1960 to host sports car and drag racing, the 268-acre property hosts over 550 events annually including automotive and motorcycle road racing, motocross, cruise-ins and other special events including the Rose Cup Races. PIR has been the site of many memorable Indy car races. Al Unser Jr. won the inaugural one in 1984, and the NTT IndyCar Series returned in 2018 after an 11-year absence with Takuma Sato the winner. The Father’s Day race of 1986 featured Mario Andretti victorious over his son Michael on the last lap by less than a second. The closest three-way road racing finish in Indy car history took place at PIR in 1997 when the top three were covered by just 0.055 of a second. The Grand Prix of Portland is owned and operated by Green Savoree Racing Promotions, which also promotes three additional IndyCar races, Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg (March 8-10, 2019), Honda Indy Toronto (July 12-14, 2019) and The Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio (July 26-28, 2019).
For more information, visit portlandgp.com, ‘like’ its Facebook page @PortlandGP or follow updates on Twitter @Portland_GP and Instagram at @Portland_GP using #PortlandGP.
