Top Racing and Karting Spots in Portland, Oregon

Portland, Oregon isn't exactly a NASCAR hotspot, but there are plenty of cool racing locations for speed fans, both young and old. Be it on a track with your tricked car, bumping your friends on bumper cars, or throwing down in a some amazing indoor karting action, Portland, Oregon has got your covered.

Portland International Raceway
Website: www.portlandraceway.com

Portland International Raceway, or PIR as it is known by locals, is the legal racing spot in Portland, Oregon. They have all kinds of events for racers and a great track, in a central location accessible by many people. Folks from Vancouver, Washington and from Portland, Oregon all frequent this racing track for the different races throughout the year. They are celebrating their 50^th anniversary, be sure to check out their website and see the great map of the entire park. Drag racing, bikes, motor cross and more racing events can be found at this awesome raceway. Start your engines now! Check them out at 1940 North Victory Boulevard, Portland, OR 97217-7724.

Oaks Amustement Park
Website: oakspark.com

Oaks Amusement Park has been around for a while and offers a load of games, rides and other attractions. Fun for the whole family, Oaks is situated near the Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge in Portland, Oregon. While the karts here are probably not quite as fast as those at more "karting-only" locations, they still offer a fun change of pace for race fans (they are more bumper karts, not really true go karts). Karts aren't the only option for thrill seekers, with the park sporting a Looping Thunder Rollercoaster, the wild Disk'O ride, Rock-O-Plane, and the legendary Rock and Roll ride. For something a bit tamer, consider the skating rink, the Big Pink Slide, the toon cars, the carousel, or the Frog Hopper. Check them out at 7805 SE Oaks Park Way, Portland, Oregon, 97202. Call them to plan your trip at 503-233-5777.

Skykart Indoor Racing
8205 Southwest Hunziker Street
Tigard, OR 97223-8227
(503) 684-5060

While not technically in Portland, just on the outskirts, Skykart Indoor Racing is one of the best locations for true karting experiences in the Portland, Oregon area. For those not familiar with kart racing, it is a one of a kind experience. There is actually a fairly large following for hardcore, kart racing at high speeds on indoor and outdoor tracks across the United States. Skykart is a great place to get started on this thrilling sport. My first racing experience with karts was at a different location but the awesome feeling of speeding down a track, zipping past my buddies, on a souped-up version of the old school go karts that your parents used is amazing. Definitely give indoor racing with karts a shot! (Note: not for the faint of heart!)