House Bill 2738, which threatens racing at PIR, is being pushed through the Oregon House. HB 2738 seeks to prohibit the use of leaded fuel at race tracks in cities with a population of 500,000 or greater as of January 1, 2026.
Oregon has a thriving specialty automotive aftermarket industry. This industry significantly contributes to the state's economy, generating $3.27 billion in economic impact. This translates to supporting 14,414 jobs, $1.17 billion in total wages and benefits, and $327.06 million in taxes paid.
The proposed ban on leaded fuel would impose significant financial burdens on Portland International Raceway (PIR) and the broader racing community. PIR, which operates as an enterprise fund with a $2 million+ operating budget, would face substantial revenue losses. Implementing this ban could result in a loss of approximately $644,000 annually from events that rely on leaded fuel.
This financial strain could render PIR insolvent, leading to the cancellation of numerous events and negatively impacting the local economy. Beyond PIR itself, the loss of the track would have broader economic consequences. Major racing events hosted at PIR, such as those by IndyCar and NASCAR, help generate over $32 million annually for Portland’s economy. The potential loss of these events would impact local businesses, hotels, restaurants, and tourism, further exacerbating the financial harm to the region.