Description
Portland Speedway, often referred to as Union Avenue Speedway, opened in the summertime of 1936 and enjoyed a 66-year run as the leading oval track in Portland. Firstly built as a dirt track on a farmer’s field in the far north of the city, the track used to be known for track roadsters in keeping with Ford’s Model T, sprint cars, and stock cars. As returning servicemen found out a love for racing, the track exploded in popularity after World War II. The track used to be paved in 1946 and flourished as a center for racing; it even included a drive-in movie theater. Many notable racers, such as Len Sutton, Rolla Vollstedt, Greg Biffle, and Mike Bliss, either began their careers at or visited Portland Speedway. But the actual story of Portland Speedway is told in the hundreds of people that made a living or simply enjoyed the racing life whilst competing at the Pacific Northwest’s finest track.