Indy NXT - Grand Prix of Portland

The Indy NXT by Firestone Grand Prix of Portland brings open-wheel racing to Portland International Raceway in Portland, Oregon. The series features the next generation of racing talent competing in identical Dallara IL-15 chassis at one of the Pacific Northwest's premier racing venues. This event showcases the development ladder for drivers advancing to the NXT INDYCAR SERIES.

Portland International Raceway Circuit

Portland International Raceway is a 1.967-mile natural road course that runs in a clockwise direction. The track features 12 turns and offers multiple passing opportunities. The circuit is almost completely flat, which creates unique racing dynamics compared to other road courses.

Key sections include the Shelton Chicane at the end of the frontstretch, a hard-braking right-hander at Turn 7 leading onto the backstretch, and a complex of three turns that bring drivers back to the frontstretch. The track holds an FIA Grade 2 classification, allowing it to host international motorsport competitions. Recent improvements widened Turns 4-7, improved sightlines at Turn 6, sharpened Turn 7, and added modern curbing.

Indy NXT Teams and Drivers

The 2026 Indy NXT season features a grid of 24 cars, the largest field since 2009. New regulations limit teams to a maximum of four cars, though some organizations operate additional entries through technical partnerships. The field includes established teams and emerging racing programs.

Participating Teams

Abel Motorsports fields Max Garcia, Jordan Missig, Colin Kaminsky, and Myles Rowe with Force Indy. Andretti Global enters Lochie Hughes, Sebastian Murray, Max Taylor, and Josh Pierson. A. J. Foyt Racing runs Nicholas Monteiro and Alessandro de Tullio.

Cape Motorsports Powered by ECR competes with Matteo Nannini and Nikita Johnson. Chip Ganassi Racing fields James Roe, Bryce Aron, Niels Koolen, and Carson Etter. Cusick Morgan Motorsports enters Nicolas Stati and Juan Manuel Correa.

HMD Motorsports runs Salvador de Alba, Jack Beeton, Enzo Fittipaldi, and Tymek Kucharczyk, with additional cars through technical partnerships. Juncos Hollinger Racing fields Alexander Koreiba and Ricardo Escotto.

Technical Specifications

All Indy NXT teams compete with the Dallara IL-15 chassis. The car features carbon fiber construction for the bodywork and tub. Drivers use paddle shifters to control an Xtrac 6-speed sequential gearbox with electronic shift actuation.

Safety Features

The IL-15 incorporates FIA-compliant safety components, including INDYCAR-standard headrests and seats. The chassis includes a secondary pedal bulkhead, Zylon anti-intrusion side panels, and the halo cockpit protection device.

Engine and Performance

An Advanced Engine Research (AER) P63 turbocharged, 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine powers the IL-15. The engine produces 450 horsepower, with an additional 50 horsepower available through the push-to-pass system. The engines can run an entire season without requiring a rebuild. Firestone supplies all tires for the series.

Unlike the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, Indy NXT cars use the same aerodynamic package on both oval and road courses. The push-to-pass system provides strategic overtaking opportunities on road and street courses.

Portland International Raceway History

Portland International Raceway sits on the former site of Vanport, a city destroyed by a flood in 1948. The first races took place on the remnants of the city's streets in 1961, establishing the annual Rose Cup races.

The circuit has hosted open-wheel racing since 1984, including Champ Car World Series, CART, and IndyCar Series events. Notable drivers like Al Unser Jr. have won at this venue. The track has produced some of the closest finishes in open-wheel racing history, including a finish separated by just 0.027 seconds.

Economic and Environmental Impact

Portland International Raceway generates a net yearly economic impact of $32 million for Multnomah County and supports approximately 550 local jobs. The facility operates as a self-sufficient commercial enterprise for the City of Portland and requires no taxpayer funding. The City of Portland actively works to make the circuit carbon neutral.

Beyond the Indy NXT series, Portland International Raceway hosts NASCAR Xfinity and ARCA Menards Series West events, along with various SCCA road racing and autocross competitions.

What to Expect at the Grand Prix of Portland

The Grand Prix of Portland presents close racing action on a technical circuit that rewards precision and strategic overtaking. The 1.967-mile layout creates multiple racing lines and passing zones. The flat nature of the track allows drivers to maintain high speeds through corner sequences.

The 24-car field ensures competitive racing throughout the pack. The push-to-pass system adds strategic elements as drivers manage their allotment across the race distance. The combination of hard-braking zones and fast sections tests both driver skill and car setup.

Portland International Raceway's reputation for close finishes continues to deliver memorable racing moments. The mix of veteran teams and emerging programs creates a competitive field where multiple drivers can contend for victory.