The Grand Prix of Portland has extended its deal with the NTT IndyCar Series to keep the event on the schedule through 2023.
Portland International Raceway has been a popular edition on the IndyCar calendar since it first arrived in 1984, when Al Unser Jr. claimed victory for Galles Racing in a March-Cosworth.
The venue was a staple on the schedule during the years of the ChampCar World Series until 2008 where it fell away when CART and IRL reunited.
PIR returned to the calendar in 2018 though the 2020 edition of the venue was postponed due to restrictions on the number people allowed at public gatherings in the state of Oregon.
“I was fortunate as a teenager to attend the Indy 500,” says Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler. “I remember the excitement then and we saw the same energy at the 2018 and 2019 Grand Prix of Portland races.
“As the only event of its kind in the Pacific Northwest, the race not only provides tremendous thrills but also contributes $12-$15 million in economic benefits for the city. I’m excited to see this premier race in Portland for at least the next three years.”
“We’re disappointed to not be able to bring IndyCar racing back to the great fans in the Pacific Northwest later this summer, but our team is excited to be back in 2021 and beyond through this continued partnership with the City of Portland and the Portland Parks & Recreation division,” added Kim Green, co-owner, chairman and CEO of Green Savoree Racing Promotions.
“We appreciate Mayor Wheeler, the commissioners, Director Long, E.C. (Mueller) and the entire PIR team for their ongoing support of the Grand Prix of Portland, and working with us to make the Grand Prix of Portland even better when it returns next year.”
A date for the 2021 edition of the Grand Prix of Portland is set to be announced later in the year.
