Dictionary.com defines competition as “a contest for some prize, honor or advantage“.

How can a city park thrive on competition?

Over 500 events take place at Portland International Raceway each year. Ranging from mudder runs to car shows to motorsports, bicycle races and more – many of the events at the park involve competition. Friends of PIR celebrates competition by putting on the Rose Cup Races, a Portland tradition since 1961. Hundreds of amateur drivers compete each year, chasing a deep legacy of winners dating back to the first race back in 1961. Pro races see hundreds of FOPIR members volunteer as flaggers, firefighters, safety crews, and many other skilled positions. Each spring we help host a worker fair to introduce people interested in volunteering to the track. Potential volunteers are often excited but nervous about how to move from the grandstands to a more active volunteering roles. FOPIR helps make that happen. Only by working with competitors AND volunteers can events thrive at the park.