The Star Mazda Championship is one of the best driver development series in the world today. All cars feature 240 horsepower Mazda "Renesis" rotary engines. Cars have a top speed of over 150 mph and can go from 0-60 in 2.8 seconds. Star mazda Drivers have gone on to race in Formula One, Champ Car, Indy Car and NASCAR. Notable alumni include Graham Rahal, Michael Andretti and Scott Speed. Nearly $1.5 million in total prizes will be awarded though the 2008 season.

www.starmazda.com

All cars in the MX-5 Cup are production based Mazda MX-5 roadsters and must be raced in convertible configuration (no hard tops). 31 cars participated in the MX-5 season opener at Road Atlanta. This series is renowned for fierce on-track competition.

www.mx-5cup.com

2008 is the North American debut for this unique series. All cars are identically prepared by Volkswagen North America. 30 drivers were selected through a competition last April and must be between the ages of 16-26. All cars are powered by 2.0 liter, 4 cylinder TDI clean diesel engines. Volkswagen is working with carbonfund.org to certify the entire series as carbon free.

www.media.vw.com

Formula Drift is one of the fastest growing forms of motorsport in the world. Drivers are judged on style, flair and control rather than lap times. Judging criteria is based on:

• Speed: The entry speed into the first corner, as well as around the course
• Line: How close a driver can come to designated "clipping" points
• Angle: The amount of counter-steer and rear slip achieved around the course
• Overall Impression: The overall "feel" of the run as determined by the judges.

www.formuladrift.com

Our official off-site branch of the Oregon Brewers Festival will offer a covered area with premium views of the on-track action. Entry to the Oregon Brewers Festival area at the racetrack is free with race admission and if you're coming from the Brewers Festival on the waterfront, you will receive a $5 discount at the gate (just show your valid armband). Spectators are encouraged to use light rail between PIR and the waterfront area. RV spaces and camping are available and PIR for the weekend.

www.oregonbrewfest.com

Time Attack is an exciting new style of racing with a very thin rule book. Any type or style of production based car is eligible to compete. Drivers are given two laps to post their fastest time possible. There are very few restrictions as to what may be done to improve the car, and add-on high performance parts are encouraged. As private owners look for creative ways to improve their cars, it is in many ways a throwback to the early days of motorsports.

www.drivingsports.com

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While a part of the Mazda GP of Portland festivities, PIR hosts drag racing every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night from March-October. Nearly any car or motorcycle can race. Some bring cars that are "track only," while others race the same car that they drive to work in -- mini vans included! Spectators to the Mazda Grand Prix of Portland are welcome to enter and race their own vehicles on the nights of July 23rd and 25th! Drivers must be 18 years of age, or have signed consent from a parent or guardian.

www.portlandraceway.com

www.supercarsunlimited.com/pirbrackets

Northwest Spec Miata is one of the most exciting and affordable forms of grassroots motorsports. All cars are production based Mazda Miata/MX-5 street cars. Costs are contained by only allowing a limited number of improvements to the original car. There are various regions around North America sharing the same basic rules package, which allows for national and regional competition.

www.nwspecmiata.com

The Beaches Cruise-In is held every Wednesday night from June-September. The event draws nearly 1,000 participants each week and features live music, barbecue and drinks. Vehicles featured include pre-73 classics, exotics and motorcycles. $8 admission includes Wednesday Night Drag Racing.

www.beachesrestaurantandbar.com/cruisin

Motocross races are held every Thursday night from April-September. PIR has the best spectator viewing of any motocross track in the Northwest and is one of the highest rated facilities of its kind on the West Coast.

www.thursdaynightmotocross.com