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The Portland City Council will determine how to address the manner after two studies,
measuring the track's exact noise impact, hit City Hall by year's end.
"The complaints come from a vocal minority who intend to do what they can about it," said Tom
Miller, chief of staff to City Commissioner Sam Adams. "There are others who are avid raceway
fans who see the noise as an attribute. We're talking about two small groups of folks. To the
vast majority, it seems like a liability that they're willing to tolerate."
PIR's noisiest cars operate at 105 decibels -- more than the volume of a chainsaw -- 50 feet
from the side of the track, which translates to 65 decibels -- a bit louder than an ordinary
speaking voice -- at the homes nearest to the raceway.
PIR could also face further complaints if owners of properties around the nearby Portland
Meadows racetrack develop their land into housing units. "Hopefully, the city can rise to the
occasion so the track can continue to exist as it does while minimizing the impact on the
community," Van Orden said.
PIR also wants to minimize its carbon emissions impact. While environmentalists frequently
blast auto racers for their heavy gas usage, PIR is seeking carbon offsets. Wigginton said the
solutions could include more tree-planting, more alternative fuels-usage and a larger
emphasis on bicycling events. Naturally, Wigginton says PIR already hosts a tailor-made --
and moneymaking -- sustainability event. "We have an electric car drag racing series," he
said. "And you know what? They're quick."
Driving dollars -- Fees from drag races and rentals by road racing clubs comprise more than
half of Portland International Raceway's yearly revenue. Most of the money goes back into
track improvements and event marketing. Here's a look at the fees PIR uses to derive its
yearly operating expenses.
Listed is the event, 2005-06 revenue and percent of the revenue:
Drag races $323,031 23.6 %
Road race clubs $300,911 22.0 %
Pro events $198,493 14.5 %
Schools $110,610 8.1 %
Swap meet $103,851 7.6 %
Motorcycle clubs $93,111 6.8 %
Motocross races $57,590 4.2 %
Winter Wonderland $45,600 3.3 %
Police $31,800 2.3 %
Autocross/Gymkhana $12,846 0.9 %
Bicycle/HPV $10,250 0.8 %
Source: Portland International Raceway
agiegerich@bizjournals.com | 503-219-3419
measuring the track's exact noise impact, hit City Hall by year's end.
"The complaints come from a vocal minority who intend to do what they can about it," said Tom
Miller, chief of staff to City Commissioner Sam Adams. "There are others who are avid raceway
fans who see the noise as an attribute. We're talking about two small groups of folks. To the
vast majority, it seems like a liability that they're willing to tolerate."
PIR's noisiest cars operate at 105 decibels -- more than the volume of a chainsaw -- 50 feet
from the side of the track, which translates to 65 decibels -- a bit louder than an ordinary
speaking voice -- at the homes nearest to the raceway.
PIR could also face further complaints if owners of properties around the nearby Portland
Meadows racetrack develop their land into housing units. "Hopefully, the city can rise to the
occasion so the track can continue to exist as it does while minimizing the impact on the
community," Van Orden said.
PIR also wants to minimize its carbon emissions impact. While environmentalists frequently
blast auto racers for their heavy gas usage, PIR is seeking carbon offsets. Wigginton said the
solutions could include more tree-planting, more alternative fuels-usage and a larger
emphasis on bicycling events. Naturally, Wigginton says PIR already hosts a tailor-made --
and moneymaking -- sustainability event. "We have an electric car drag racing series," he
said. "And you know what? They're quick."
Driving dollars -- Fees from drag races and rentals by road racing clubs comprise more than
half of Portland International Raceway's yearly revenue. Most of the money goes back into
track improvements and event marketing. Here's a look at the fees PIR uses to derive its
yearly operating expenses.
Listed is the event, 2005-06 revenue and percent of the revenue:
Drag races $323,031 23.6 %
Road race clubs $300,911 22.0 %
Pro events $198,493 14.5 %
Schools $110,610 8.1 %
Swap meet $103,851 7.6 %
Motorcycle clubs $93,111 6.8 %
Motocross races $57,590 4.2 %
Winter Wonderland $45,600 3.3 %
Police $31,800 2.3 %
Autocross/Gymkhana $12,846 0.9 %
Bicycle/HPV $10,250 0.8 %
Source: Portland International Raceway
agiegerich@bizjournals.com | 503-219-3419