Once again, Friends of PIR is sponsoring an opening day celebration at the race track.  Activities on and around the track will appeal to everyone in the community who uses this wonderful facility.  The day will begin with a guided bird-watching tour, a track walk, touring laps behind a pace car, hot laps with an experienced instructor, lapping sessions, and conclude with drag racing (weather permitting).

FOPIR wil host lunch for all who attend.  The lapping sessions require pre-registration and will be limited to 40 cars.  See the flier for complete details.

By John Draneas, FOPIR President

FOPIR was organized in October 2006. We have made incredible strides in just two short years, and we're pleased to report the specifics to you.

As you know, FOPIR was born in controversy. In an apparent afterthought at a City Council hearing on a PIR noise variance, Mayor Potter directed the Parks Bureau to look into moving PIR to a quieter location. Track users knew that moving PIR was impossible, and interpreted that suggestion as an invitation to shut down the track.

Study Says Portland International Raceway Generates $45 Million
Portland Business Journal - April 27, 2007
By Andy Giegerich, Business Journal Staff Writer

The following link is an article on PIR and its economic impact on the Portland area economy.  It currently requires a subscription to read the entire article.

http://portland.bizjournals.com/portland/stories/2007/04/30/story1.html