The Baxter Auto Parts Portland Historic Races will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Italian car manufacturer Alfa Romeo at the 2010 running of the event. The 34th annual Portland Historic Races will take place July 9 through 11 at Portland International Raceway, 1940 N Victory Blvd., and will host a race group comprised solely of Alfa Romeos.
Throughout its rich history, Alfa Romeo has inspired professional drivers, as well as individuals who have never visited a racetrack. It all began in 1910, when A.L.F.A. (Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili) was established under the direction of Cavaliere Ugo Stella, an aristocrat from Milan who had purchased Darracq, a French company doing poorly on the Italian market.
That same year saw the launch of the first ALFA model, the 24 HP, designed by Giuseppe Merosi. In 1911, the 24 HP made its debut as a race car at the Targa Florio, an open road endurance automobile race held in the mountains of Sicily. It was the beginning of an enduring tradition of carrying hundreds of champions to victory over the finish line.
The Baxter Auto Parts Portland Historic Races feature an annual entry list of more than 250 prestigious historic race cars, all of which have been restored to the way they were when they originally raced decades ago. The cars are divided into nine different race groups according to their make, age and horsepower, then raced at high speeds, delighting enthusiasts just as they did in their heyday.
One of the event’s best-loved features is its open paddock, which allows fans the opportunity to walk right up to the cars and talk with the drivers and crew. The family friendly event also presents a display of more than 700 collector cars and hot rods, the Fred Meyer Food and Wine Pavilion, a kid zone, an autocross and a vendor midway.
The races run daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets cost $40 for all three days; $10 for Friday; or $25 for Saturday or Sunday. Children under the age of 12 are admitted for free when accompanied by an adult. Tickets are available at www.portlandhistorics.com and at the gate. Advance discount tickets are available at all Baxter Auto Parts locations, or receive $3 off gate admission with a Fred Meyer rewards card.
The event is a fundraiser for the Community Transitional School, a Portland-based organization that provides important educational services to children who are homeless or otherwise at risk of school failure.
The Baxter Auto Parts Portland Historic Races are produced and sanctioned by the Historic Motor Sports Association (HMSA). Established in 1977, HMSA specializes in race events with historic cars, emphasizing the preservation and proper use of historic race cars. For more information about the Baxter Auto Parts Portland Historic Races, call 818-249-3515 or visit www.portlandhistorics.com.
See 2009 Portland Historics – Race Results and Photo Gallery.
[Source: Portland Historics; photo credit: Dennis Gray]
