Motorsport Returns to Portland
Professional racing made its return to Portland International Raceway this year thanks to the Pirelli World Challenge Super Car Series debuting at the annual Rose Cup Races. This marks a pointed resurgence in Motorsport in Portland and with the Verizon Indy Car Series set to return to Portland after 11 years in September, Portland is beginning a new heyday in its motorsport history.
The crowds that poured in for the Rose Cup Races were treated to sights and sounds that haven't come from PIR in many years. The unnatural quiet of the grid as the cars rumble in anticipation of a green flag to start the race. A sudden roar of sound rips through the air, capped off by an equally loud roar from the crowd. The melee into turn one as the drivers jockey for position and the two and tree wide entries into the first 6 turns before the first wide open throttle rip down the back straight.
From Ferrari's and Lamborghini's to Bentley's and McLaren's the field was full of some of the finest vehicles on the planet. Toni Vilander stood on the top step after one of the weekends many races. His Ferrari 488 GTE not only looked spectacular, but also was an aural delight.
The Dream Racing Team also drew a lot of attention with their raging bulls. Portland has a very eclectic automotive scene but a race trim Huracan is not a common sight.
Squadra Corse Garage Italia had their 488 GTE on hand as well. It was easily the best looking of all the Ferraris on track.
The open style pits of Pirelli World Challenge really helped to get the fans more engaged and added to the experience of the weekend. Standing right next to a race spec supercar when it fires up is enough to make the whole weekend worth it.
The racing wasn't all happiness and smiles however. For some it ended in heartbreak. The worst feeling in racing is when you're out of the race and all you can do is scratch your head and wonder what happened.
To sum up, Pirelli World Challenge's return to Portland International Raceway was nothing short of spectacular. From the crowds that flocked to see the racing, to the racing itself, it certainly lived up to the hype and marks the return of professional racing to Portland. Next up on the professional calendar for PIR is the Indy Car Grand Prix of Portland taking place August 31st-September 2nd. If Pirelli World Challenge was any indication, Portland is in for quite a show when the Verizon Indy Car series comes to town.
The Cutting Room Floor:
