The 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES arrives at Portland International Raceway this weekend for its 14th round, marking the only stop in the Pacific Northwest region for the 14 Chevrolet-powered drivers and teams. The race takes place at the 1.964-mile, 12-turn road course, located in the region where the landscape is defined by towering mountains and dense pine forests. This Indycar Series Portland Raceway preview focuses on how Chevrolet and its drivers prepare for this challenging and storied track.
Challenges and Advantages at Portland International Raceway
Portland International Raceway is known for its flowing layout, highlighted by technical corners and two long straights that reward high horsepower. Drivers emphasize the track’s rhythm and precision, especially in sections like Turns 4 through 7, which feel like one continuous, critical sequence. Mistiming one corner can disrupt lap flow, making this part particularly demanding.
Chevrolet’s powertrain is well-suited to Portland’s profile because the track features numerous mid- to high-speed corners where top-end engine power is crucial. The long straights also allow Chevrolet-powered cars to leverage their speed advantage, making the brand a formidable contender across the field.
Insights from Chevrolet Drivers on Navigating the Portland Circuit
David Malukas from A.J. Foyt Racing detailed the importance of maintaining rhythm through the tricky middle section of the course, stating,
“The key to getting around Portland is all about rhythm. Making sure you’re on the right track from Turn 4 to Turn 7.”
He added that any error entering this segment results in losing the flow for the rest of the lap. Regarding his experience with Chevrolet power at Portland, Malukas commented,
“This track favors Chevy power with the majority of corners being mid to high-speed corners. Chevy excels in its top end power.”
Santino Ferrucci, also from A.J. Foyt Racing, reflected on his first road course IndyCar race being at Portland. He appreciates the track‘s traditional, old-school feel, pointing out its enduring character:
“I think it’s one of the better tracks that we get to go to. I think it races really well. It’s super old school. The pavement is old, there’s no runoff. It’s been around in IndyCar for a long time.”
Ferrucci emphasized the demanding nature of Portland’s corners, especially the initial high-speed chicane:
“The most challenging part of Portland is probably turn 10 -11, that really high-speed left-right chicane that starts the lap.”
Ferrucci also praised the track’s suitability for Chevrolet engines, noting,
“Well, the track will favor Chevrolet because of the top speed, there’s two very long straights which are good for us.”
Off the track, he mentioned a local favorite dining spot near Vancouver:
“There’s a Mexican joint that I’ve been going to for a few years, ‘Who Song & Larry’s’ on the Columbia River in Vancouver.”
Arrow McLaren Drivers Anticipate Strong Performances as Season Winds Down
Pato O’Ward admitted that Portland has historically been a difficult venue for him and the team but expressed optimism about their current performance trajectory throughout the year:
“Last year at Portland was a tough one, and it hasn’t been among our best tracks, but I feel we’re in a different place now. We’ve raced up front consistently all year, and that’s the expectation entering the weekend. The championship will be an uphill battle, but we’re going to give it everything we’ve got.”
Nolan Siegel reflected on recent mixed results but aims to convert strong qualifying performances into solid race weekends:
“July had its ups and downs where we showed flashes of really strong pace but didn’t quite get the results we were aiming for. Heading into these last three races, the goal is to take that qualifying pace and turn it into complete weekends. I’ve had some good runs at Portland earlier in my career, so hopefully we can lean on that and start the weekend strong.”
Christian Lundgaard shared motivation to build on a July podium and move ahead in the championship battle:
“We capped off a busy July on the podium, and I’m excited to keep pushing in the championship with three to go. The No. 7 VELO Arrow McLaren Chevrolet has been a contender all year, but I’d really like to jump to that top step and deliver a win. With three to go, we’re looking to finish out strong starting this weekend in Portland where I’ve had some strong qualifying runs.”
Ed Carpenter Racing Looks to Rebound and Continue Road Course Success
Alexander Rossi expressed eagerness to return to Portland after a challenging series of July races:
“I am excited to be heading back out to the West Coast for the Grand Prix of Portland. We had a bit of a rough go of it through the July stretch of races and we are more than ready to turn that around as we finish out this season. I have had some strong results at Portland in the past so hopefully we can add to that this weekend!”
Christian Rasmussen anticipates building on recent strong finishes on road courses:
“I am very excited to get back in the Liquid Science car this weekend in Portland! We have had good road course finishes this year, including the most recent one in Laguna Seca. We’re getting to the point where we are able to fight for Top 10s pretty consistently and we should be able to continue that in Portland!”
PREMA Racing CEO Highlights Portland’s Tactical Complexity for Newcomers
Piers Phillips of PREMA Racing described Portland as a fast and challenging circuit that demands precision, especially at its tricky opening chicane, which can influence race outcomes significantly:
“Portland is a fast, flowing circuit with a notoriously tricky opening chicane that can make or break a race. It demands sharp reactions and the ability to capitalise on opportunities in a tight midfield fight. The performance we have shown as a team over the last few events has been encouraging, highlighting the hard work that has gone on not only trackside but back at base in Indiana, as we head into the final stretch of our debut season. We’re focused on executing clean weekends and building on the momentum we’ve worked hard to create.”
Team Penske Brings Experience and Determination for Portland Weekend
Josef Newgarden values the importance of reaching fans in diverse locations and acknowledges Portland’s unique racing challenges:
“I love getting up to the Pacific Northwest. It’s important that we continue to hit each region of the country if we can because we have fans all over. Portland is a challenge with the flat terrain and shorter layout for a road course. Restarts are key, particularly in getting through the first corner. If we can just have a clean race I like our chances to keep the Astemo Chevy up front and challenge for a win.”
Scott McLaughlin feels the team is adapting well after a transformative season, citing his positive experience at Portland:
“Coming off a solid day at Laguna Seca, it feels like we are starting to get our arms around the immense change we’ve gone through as a team this year. I’ve enjoyed how difficult Portland is since I came to the INDYCAR SERIES. It’s a very busy place that doesn’t give you much time to relax. This Odyssey Battery team knows how to win there – like we did three years ago – and Will (Power) got to Victory Lane last year, so we know that Team Penske has what it takes to get the job done.”
Will Power, the defending winner at Portland, sees the race as an opportunity for momentum heading into the final rounds:
“Portland is a tough place to race but going back as the defending winner certainly gives everyone on the Verizon Chevy team a shot in the arm. Everyone wants to close out the season on a positive note as we continue to build for 2026. Obviously, it has been a big year of change at Team Penske but those that were elevated to new positions are extremely talented and I think that is starting to show as everything stabilizes a bit for us. We will gather some momentum heading into these last few races of the year.”
Broadcast Schedule and Viewing Details for Portland Weekend
The INDYCAR SERIES weekend schedule at Portland includes qualifying, warm-up sessions, and the feature race, with comprehensive broadcast coverage across multiple platforms. Qualifying is set for Saturday at 2:30 p.m. ET, airing on FS1 and live via INDYCAR Radio Network and SiriusXM Channel 218. On the same day, the warm-up will take place later at 7:30 p.m. ET, broadcast on FS2 alongside radio coverage.
The highlight, the Bitnile.com Grand Prix of Portland, will run on Sunday, starting at 3 p.m. ET for 110 laps. Viewers can watch on FOX, listen to INDYCAR Radio Network, or tune in through SiriusXM 218.
Portland Race Expected to Influence Championship Momentum and Season Finale
As the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES nears its final stages, the Portland round takes on added importance for drivers and teams striving to solidify standings and gather momentum. With only three races remaining, drivers like Christian Lundgaard and Pato O’Ward see this as a vital proving ground to push for wins and championship points. The blend of speed, technical challenges, and historical significance makes Portland International Raceway a key battleground for Chevrolet-powered teams aiming to finish the season strong.
This race will not only test driver skill and team strategy but also offer fans a showcase of top-tier open-wheel racing set against the scenic backdrop of the Pacific Northwest. The performances here could well influence the championship complexion as the series heads into its concluding events across the country.