Indy NXT - Portland

Portland International Raceway hosts Round 14 of the Indy NXT by Firestone series in 2026. This race serves as a critical late-season competition in the 17-round championship, bringing open-wheel racing action to Oregon. The series, which represents the top level of the INDYCAR ladder system, features developing drivers who compete for advancement to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. FOX Sports channels broadcast all Indy NXT races live, providing comprehensive coverage of this important step in professional motorsports careers.

The Indy NXT Series

The Indy NXT by Firestone series consists of 17 races in 2026, an expansion from 14 races in prior seasons. The championship includes five double-headers and visits a variety of circuits across North America, including road courses, street circuits, and ovals. The series champion receives an $850,000 scholarship to support their transition to IndyCar competition. This scholarship covers two IndyCar tests and entries for two races, including the Indianapolis 500. The series provides crucial experience for drivers preparing to advance their careers in professional open-wheel racing.

Portland International Raceway Circuit Details

Portland International Raceway stands as an FIA Grade Two certified motorsport facility in Portland, Oregon. The road course measures 1.967 miles (3.166 km) in length and features 12 turns arranged in a clockwise direction. The track layout includes the Shelton Chicane at the end of the front straight, creating a technical challenge for drivers. The nearly flat circuit combines fast straights with technical corners, offering multiple passing zones throughout the lap. Track modifications completed in late 2007 and early 2008 included repaving, widening turns 4-7, improving sightlines at turn 6, and sharpening turn 7.

Qualifying Format

Road course qualifying at Portland splits the field into two groups. Each group receives 10 minutes of track time. The fastest driver across both sessions earns pole position for the race. This format ensures all drivers have equal opportunities to set competitive lap times without traffic interference.

Teams and Drivers for 2026

The 2026 Indy NXT season features several established teams fielding entries. A new rule limits teams to four cars maximum, though technical partnerships allow some flexibility in this structure. Confirmed teams for the season include Abel Motorsports, Andretti Global, A. J. Foyt Racing, Cape Motorsports Powered by ECR, Chip Ganassi Racing, and Cusick Morgan Motorsports. Drivers competing include Max Garcia, Jordan Missig, Colin Kaminsky, Myles Rowe, Lochie Hughes, Sebastian Murray, Max Taylor, Josh Pierson, Nicholas Monteiro, Alessandro de Tullio, Matteo Nannini, Nikita Johnson, James Roe, Bryce Aron, Niels Koolen, Carson Etter, and Nicolas Stati. Rookies are marked with (R) in official series documentation.

Technical Specifications

All Indy NXT cars utilize the spec Dallara IL-15 chassis, which has been in service since 2015. The cars feature an AER-produced, Mazda-sourced 2.0-liter engine and run on Firestone tires. A halo safety device was added to the chassis in 2021, providing enhanced driver protection. The cars include a push-to-pass system controlled by the ECU, allowing drivers to temporarily increase engine power on road and street courses like Portland. Unlike the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, Indy NXT cars run identical specifications on both oval and road courses, maintaining consistency across all race types.

History and Background

Portland International Raceway occupies the former site of Vanport, Oregon, a city destroyed by flooding in 1948. The first races, called the Rose Cup Races, took place on the abandoned city streets in 1961 during the Portland Rose Festival. The facility has earned a reputation for close finishes in Indy car racing history. In 1986, Mario Andretti defeated his son Michael by 0.070 seconds. In 1997, Mark Blundell won in a three-wide finish, beating second place by 0.027 seconds and third place by 0.055 seconds, setting the all-time closest finish record for a road course in CART series history.

Economic Impact

The City of Portland owns and operates Portland International Raceway as an enterprise fund. The facility covers its operating expenses and capital improvements through generated revenues without requiring general fund tax dollars. The raceway contributes an estimated $30 to $40 million annually to the local economy and generates approximately 700 jobs. This makes Portland International Raceway a significant economic asset for the Portland region while providing a premier venue for motorsports competition.