By: Spencer Neff
August 20, 2020

Despite its cancelation for 2020, the Grand Prix of Portland did announce some good news Today. In a press release, the City of Portland and Green Savoree Promotions LLC., the event promoter announced the event will continue through at least 2023.

In July, the event was called off due to the state of Oregon’s ban on large gatherings.

“We are very pleased to have ‘Portland’s Fastest Park’, the Portland International Raceway, hosting the Grand Prix of Portland NTT INDYCAR SERIES race for three additional years,” says Portland Parks & Recreation Director Adena Long. 

“The Grand Prix has established itself as a summer tradition as Portlanders enjoy the festival atmosphere, the cars, and camaraderie. We look to 2021 through 2023 with great anticipation.”

A mainstay on the IndyCar calendar from 1984 to 2007, the 1.964-mile, 12-turn road course became one of the most popular venues on the circuit. After a decade away, IndyCar returned to the Pacific Northwest and PIR in 2018. Not only has its return been popular among the series but impactful to the area as well.

“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.”

For the race’s promotional team, Green Savoree, 2020 has been particularly tough. Their event at St. Petersburg in March was canceled before being announced as the October 25 finale.

Additionally, their planned doubleheader for the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course on August 8-9 was postponed and has yet to be rescheduled. Lastly, the Honda Indy Toronto was also canceled for 2020 due to coronavirus restrictions in Canada as well.

“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,” said 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.”

It was also announced that ticket purchasers on file for the 2020 event will receive a direct communication from Green Savoree Portland LLC soon on their available options.

Header Image By Joe Skibinski/INDYCAR