Portland Historic Races preview

Baxter Auto Parts Portland Historic Races revives excitement of Trans-Am 2.5 battles.

PORTLAND, Ore. - June 10, 2003 - The Baxter Auto Parts Portland Historic Races is bringing the excitement of the Trans-AM 2.5 Challenge Series of the early 1970s to Portland International Raceway. The Vintage 2.5 Challenge Revival Series will be one of the featured races of the 27th annual Baxter Auto Parts, taking place July 11 through 13. Tickets to the event are on sale now at www.portlandhistorics.com or by calling 503-274-0019. Advance discount tickets are available at all Baxter Auto Parts locations.

The 2.5 Challenge Revival Series is designed to re-create the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA)'s Trans-AM 2.5 Challenge races of 1970-72. While close competition is desired, the series is conducted in the true spirit of vintage racing with emphasis on period correct cars, safety, courtesy and fun. The series is sponsored by G2 Graphics & iRPM Software.

John Morton, driver for the BRE Datsun 510 factory team that won the Trans-Am 2.5 Challenge Series Manufacturers Championship in 1971 and 1972, will be at the event all three days to sign autographs. Morton will drive the Neeley Motorsports 510 at the event.

The Trans-AM series was created by the SCCA in 1966 and was divided into two classes: the over 2.0 Liter (O2) and the under 2.0 Liter (U2). Both classes ran in a single run group. But as the series progressed, American car manufacturers moved in. The muscle of the American "pony cars" began to outpace the U2 cars by a wide margin. This made for unsafe driving conditions. For this reason, the U2 class was removed from the O2 and became its own race group. Thus was born the Trans-AM 2.5 Challenge Series of 1971 to 1972, and for a brief period, the 2.5 Challenge would be a shining star of great sedan racing action.

The Baxter Auto Parts Portland Historic Races features racing by some of the most celebrated vintage cars in history. Nearly 250 prestigious cars are divided into groups according their age and horsepower to compete on the raceway's 1.967-mile track. This year's event will also highlight a field of historic Stock Cars.

In addition to racing, the event offers something for the whole family with a display of more than 700 collector cars and 200 collector hot rods; the Thumbs Up For Kids Foundation Family Zone with activities for children; go-kart racing in the pro-pits; a vendor midway; The Oregonian Used Cars for Sale lot; and the Kuni Automotive Food and Wine Pavilion presented by Fred Meyer, a benefit for the Children's Cancer Association.

Other event sponsors include: NW Natural, KISN fm, Carrera Motors, Tire Factory, Henry Estate, Portland Brewing Co., Monte Shelton Motor Co., Kettle Foods, Duck Delivery/United Salad, Bonham's & Butterfields, and Stevens Information Systems.

For more information about the Baxter Auto Parts Portland Historic Races, call 503-274-0019 or visit www.portlandhistorics.com.

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