Alex Palou has the chance to clinch the NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship once again at Portland International Raceway (PIR) during the BITNILE.COM Grand Prix of Portland presented by askROI, taking place from August 8 to 10. The 28-year-old Spaniard, a three-time INDYCAR champion in 2021, 2023, and 2024, currently leads the points standings and looks to replicate his successful 2023 Portland victory that secured that year’s title.
The race on Sunday, August 10, at 12:22 p.m. PT at the 1.964-mile, 12-turn road course will not only be crucial in deciding the championship but also offers Palou the opportunity to tie a historic Portland win record. If successful, Palou will become only the third driver to capture three wins at Portland, joining legends Al Unser Jr. and Michael Andretti. Holding a 121-point lead over his closest rival, Pato O’Ward, Palou needs to finish the weekend with a lead of at least 108 points to ensure the 2025 championship title. This achievement would mark his fourth championship in five seasons and rank him as the fourth driver to secure three consecutive INDYCAR championships along with Dario Franchitti, Sebastien Bourdais, and Ted Horn.
Palou’s Perspective on Portland International Raceway
Palou feels a strong connection to the Portland track, where the car’s handling suits his driving style perfectly. He describes PIR as a narrow road course that drives more like a street circuit, requiring careful, precise control.
Every time I’ve been (to Portland International Raceway), I’ve just felt really comfortable,
said Palou.
I’ve felt like the car has been responding the way I needed and also the way it flows. It just really matches my style, I guess. It’s really narrow, and although it’s a road course, it just bites you like a street course.
—Alex Palou, INDYCAR Driver
He further explained the level of precision needed to succeed at Portland.
It’s one of those tracks that you need to drive it 99 percent. You cannot drive it 100 percent all the time because otherwise you go off pretty easily,
he said.
Strong Competitors Prepare to Challenge Palou’s Title Run
This season, Palou has been dominant, claiming eight victories including the prestigious 2025 Indianapolis 500 and accumulating 590 points. He is also closing in on the INDYCAR record of ten wins in a single season, set by A.J. Foyt in 1964 and Al Unser in 1970. His main championship rival, Arrow McLaren’s Pato O’Ward, has 469 points and will aim to close the gap at Sunday’s race. O’Ward has shown competitive form at Portland, finishing just off the podium in fourth place in both 2022 and 2023.
Other accomplished drivers will also contend fiercely to prevent Palou from clinching the championship. Among them is Will Power, a two-time Portland winner in 2019 and 2024, who will engage fans at the BITNILE.COM Grand Prix of Portland kickoff event on August 7 at Kenton Station Restaurant & Pub in Portland. Power will appear alongside drivers Jacob Abel and Rinus VeeKay, accompanied by Portland native Josh Pierson and other INDY NXT drivers. An INDYCAR show car will be on display outside the venue for fans to view.
Supporting Races Highlight a Busy Weekend at PIR
Along with the headline INDYCAR event, the race weekend will feature intense championship battles in several open-wheel development series that feed into the top-tier NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Dennis Hauger, the INDY NXT by Firestone points leader, looks to strengthen his 42-point lead with three races remaining. Meanwhile, the USF Pro Championship Presented by Continental Tire, including the USF Pro 2000, USF2000, and USF Juniors, will conclude their seasons with multiple races, crowning champions and awarding scholarships across the weekend.
Tickets and Upcoming Racing Events at Portland International Raceway
Fans can access tickets starting at $25 for Single Day General Admission and $65 for Single Day Grandstand seats, with three-day passes offering the best overall value. General Admission for the entire weekend is just $75, while a 3-Day Grandstand reserved seat begins at $85, including gate admission. Children 12 and under receive free general admission, emphasizing the family-friendly nature of the event.
Following the Grand Prix, PIR will host the Pacific Office Automation 147, featuring the NASCAR Xfinity Series from August 29 to 30. These two major racing events together establish August as Speed Month at the Portland motorsports venue located near Interstate 5, south of the Columbia River in North Portland.
For all ticket details and event information, fans are encouraged to follow updates on social media using the hashtags #PortlandGP and #NASCARPortland or sign up for the PIR E-Club via the official website.