Portland International

macdaddy · 17 Dec 2002, 03:25 (Ref:451563)

No "Doom & Gloom" in this article!
What we need around here is some good news!
Lengthy article, so allow me to paraphrase...

PORTLAND, Ore. (Dec. 16, 2002) - In a renewed commitment to the city of Portland and the race fans in the Pacific Northwest... Pook announced today that CART will continue its annual Bridgestone Presents The Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford (say that five times fast!) event in the Rose City through 2005.

Bolstering this announcement is the fact that Portland-area sports and auto retailer G.I. Joe's has signed-on to continue its sponsorship of the event, and the unveiling of plans for CART to work with the Portland business community to build on the past success of the event.

A key component of today's announcement is the extension of G.I. Joe's support of the event, as the company has sponsored every previous Champ Car event at Portland International Raceway.

In a tremendous show of community support, the Oregon Sports Authority, Portland Oregon Visitors Association, Portland Parks and Recreation and Portland Rose Festival Association have formed a formidable business coalition with Global Events Group (the event's promoter) and CART to ensure the future of Portland's race.

"The G.I. Joe's 200 has played a significant role in Oregon's economy and provided valued entertainment to the community for the last 20 years. The coalition believes strongly in the value of the race to the community," said Drew Mahalic, Oregon Sports Authority CEO.

Added Portland Oregon Visitors Association President and CEO Joe D'Alessandro, "the race is vitally important to Portland's economy - injecting nearly $20 million into the community each year - and adds substantially to Oregonians' quality of life."

Tailwind · 17 Dec 2002, 04:30 (Ref:451575)

It's good to hear the positive words from the community around the event as well as the track. Portland is a race I would very much like to go visit one day when the wallet is a little thicker. We need a bunch more stories like these.

Lee Janotta · 17 Dec 2002, 06:09 (Ref:451595)

Woohoo!

Now, if they'd just take out those damn festival curves...

tanalised · 17 Dec 2002, 06:40 (Ref:451611)

Good one. Been some great races there recently

indycool · 17 Dec 2002, 12:09 (Ref:451776)

That race was reportedly in trouble and it's one of CART's most traditional....nice to see it's back.

KC · 17 Dec 2002, 13:48 (Ref:451837)

I would like to see more cities use this same business model. They allow the race to be part of their festival and it becomes one more traditional facet of it. I think this is what the Miami GP needs to do as well. From what I understand this is similar to the Canadian races and Surfer's Paradise.

racerkeke · 17 Dec 2002, 15:53 (Ref:451886)

Great! I guess this means I know where I'll be for the next two Junes at least. It's always a good time, liquid sunshine or regular sunshine (and we've had both in spades over the years).

keke

Tiresmoke · 17 Dec 2002, 23:02 (Ref:452212)

I have heard that this race will be promoted by CART, much like the Chicago race this year. Global Events will not pay a sanction fee, they will instead be paid by CART to promote the race. Pook wanted CART to do more of its own marketing I guess.

indycool · 18 Dec 2002, 04:45 (Ref:452362)

Tiresmoke, this article in The Oregonian pretty much confirms what you said...

http://www.oregonlive.com/sports/ore...9788262700.xml

Tailwind · 18 Dec 2002, 06:16 (Ref:452407)

Not so very long ago, Champ Cars were getting negative press in the Oregonian. This article reflects the positive side of Champ Car racing. It seems that the business leaders and local government understand the positive impact a race like this has on the local economy and community.

The Snout · 18 Dec 2002, 22:36 (Ref:452987)

The new announcement and commitment is great. Good to be going back there, I know it's not everyone favorite track but not all venues can be a Road America. Good News all round.

theracegypsy · 19 Dec 2002, 00:05 (Ref:453060)

Quote:

Originally posted by racerkeke
Great! I guess this means I know where I'll be for the next two Junes at least. It's always a good time, liquid sunshine or regular sunshine (and we've had both in spades over the years).

keke

it's OK for some....

That's the weekend after LeMans, and then back to Washington for ALMS, Cleveland for CART, then back into Canada for Toronto & Vancouver

I know, I need a sponsor.

, or someone with a job (complete with automatic green card and every thursday-Sunday off but including weekend travel expenses.

Now you know I envey you your location,

, enjoy, and give my regards to all our friends.

PS, Vancouver is a must, even if I only do that and Toronto.
see you next year

racerkeke · 19 Dec 2002, 16:02 (Ref:453548)

Yippee. We'll save you some liquid sunshine. And what's this? You're throwing over Laguna for some weird race in FRANCE??? :-)))

keke

indycool · 19 Dec 2002, 17:17 (Ref:453601)

Regarding Portland, does anyone know if the city still gets track rent in the new deal?

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