To our FOPIR Community,
Patience and preparation are the keys to success in racing—whether you’re waiting for the green flag or navigating the complexities of city permits. As we’ve worked through lengthy permitting issues with the City for our new trackside structure, something interesting happened: we had time to listen.
While our original pergola plans were a great start, the massive success of the 2025 OMSI STEM youth summer camp, along with feedback from our members, led us to the fact that PIR needs more than a seasonal shelter. It needs a high-performance hub.
Evolving the Concept
We didn’t just change the blueprint; we evolved our thinking. We’ve pivoted from an open-air pergola to a Professional-Grade Modular Pavilion. By moving to a glass-walled, climate-controlled design, we are shifting from a “summer-only” space to a 365-day facility that mirrors the elite FIA, IndyCar, and NASCAR hospitality units seen in global motorsports and here at PIR.
“After the incredible success of our 2025 STEM camps, we knew we needed a dedicated, “STEM-ready” environment for @OMSI and our youth programs. This isn’t just a place to watch a race; it’s a high-tech hub where students can study aerodynamics and engineering in a professional, distraction-free (and weather-proof!) space.”
— Ron Huegli PIR Track Manager
“Friends of PIR’s program exemplifies the kind of experiential learning that OMSI values. By integrating hands-on science activities with real-world applications in engineering and racing technology, the camp offers a unique and engaging pathway for youth, particularly those from historically underserved communities, to explore STEM in a dynamic setting.”
— Steve Tritz OMSI Senior Director
A Multipurpose Hub for Every User Group
This isn’t just for spectators. We’ve designed this evolution to be the hardest-working building at the track:
- For Youth & Education: A dedicated classroom space for the next generation of engineers and racers
- For User Groups: A professional meeting and event space
- For the Fans: A VIP-tier hospitality environment that brings a “Paddock Club” aesthetic to Portland
Thank you for standing by us as we turn this delay into a win for the track, the kids, and the future of racing in Portland.
The Friends of PIR Board
