Forever MX-5 and Mazda North American Operations Announce Portland Race Dates

Attention all Forever MX-5 readers: mark your calendar now to join us July 26th & 27th in Portland, Oregon.  While you may have heard that the demise of Champ Car meant the traditional Grand Prix of Portland would not happen in 2008, think again.

"The Grand Prix of Portland is important enough that Mazda felt the need to step up and help make the 25th anniversary race happen.  We'll be bringing a Star Mazda doubleheader, a round of the Playboy MX-5 Cup and other races and motorsports activities that the Northwest race fans will enjoy.  We have a lot of work ahead, but the team of Mazda and the Portland International Raceway are committed to making it happen," says Jim Jordan, Marketing Manager, Mazda North American Operations

With the combined efforts of Portland International Raceway, Mazda North American Operations, Forever MX-5 magazine, and others who will no doubt join us, the race will go on, but with a different flavor.  Think younger and more grassroots, like us!

Among the many activities planned will be special car corrals for Mazda clubs and public street-legal drag racing in the evening. Forever MX-5 will have a substantial presence at this event.

“We’re pleased and excited to be coming to the famed Portland International Raceway as a headliner race for the big weekend in July,” says Gary Rodrigues, President of the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear.  “Fans will get to see two exciting Star Mazda races, one on Saturday and another on Sunday.  With standing starts, new to the Star Mazda series this year, I guarantee both events will be packed with tight, close, aggressive racing among a big field of the hottest young open-wheel talent from the U.S., Canada, Europe and South America.  This is a tremendous opportunity for our rising stars to shine, and you can bet they’ll make the most of it.”

What:                   Grand Prix of Portland/MAZDASPEED Motorsports Festival

Races:                   Star Mazda Championship Presented by Goodyear Doubleheader
                            SCCA Pro Racing Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup
                            Import Car Bracket Drag Racing
                            More races to be added

When:                  July  26-27

Where:                Portland International Raceway

Stay tuned to this site for further details!