Portland ePrix
The Portland ePrix was an annual motorsport event in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, featuring all-electric single-seater racing cars competing on a temporary street circuit layout at Portland International Raceway in Portland, Oregon, United States.[1] It debuted in 2023 as the series' only North American round that season and returned in 2024 as a double-header weekend comprising rounds 13 and 14, before being replaced by the Miami ePrix for the 2024/25 season.[2][3] The event marked Formula E's entry into the Pacific Northwest, leveraging the historic Portland International Raceway—a permanent facility operational since the 1970s that has hosted major American series like IndyCar and NASCAR—for a high-speed, flowing 3.190 km (1.982 mi) circuit with 12 corners.[4][5] The 2023 edition, known as the Southwire Portland ePrix presented by AWS, saw New Zealand's Nick Cassidy of Envision Racing secure victory in a race noted for its record number of overtakes and intense on-track battles.[6][1] In 2024, sponsored by Hankook Tire, the double-header delivered further excitement, with Portugal's António Félix da Costa of Porsche Formula E Team winning both races amid chaotic incidents, safety car periods, and a tight championship fight that saw leader Nick Cassidy spin out of the lead and drop points.[7][8] The Portland ePrix highlighted Formula E's commitment to sustainable racing in the U.S., drawing large crowds to the Allianz Fan Village with live music and fan zones, while contributing to the series' goal of accelerating electric mobility innovation.[9]Background
Event Overview
The Portland ePrix is a round of the FIA Formula E World Championship, an all-electric single-seater racing series sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), held at Portland International Raceway in Portland, Oregon, United States.[10] The event debuted in 2023 as part of Season 9 and continued into Season 10, comprising a total of three races across two seasons: one single race in 2023 and a double-header in 2024.[10] In 2024, the event was officially titled the Hankook Portland ePrix due to sponsorship by the tire manufacturer, while the inaugural 2023 edition carried the name Southwire Portland ePrix.[10] The circuit is a permanent 3.221 km (2.002 mi) track featuring 12 turns, raced in a clockwise direction, with events scheduled annually in June to align with the series' calendar.[11] As part of Formula E's strategic expansion into North America—where Portland was selected as the sole U.S. host city for its 2023 debut—the ePrix underscores the championship's commitment to sustainable motorsport through zero-emission racing and renewable energy initiatives at events.[12] The series format involves 45-minute races with Attack Mode for temporary power boosts, promoting energy management and overtaking opportunities on the Portland layout. Across its editions, the Portland ePrix has featured prominent teams such as Porsche Formula E Team, Envision Racing, and Jaguar TCS Racing, with notable driver performances including António Félix da Costa securing two victories for Porsche in 2024, highlighting the team's competitive edge in the Gen3 era.[13][14]Host Selection
In December 2022, Formula E announced Portland, Oregon, as the host city for a new round of the championship, replacing the canceled New York City ePrix, which was unable to proceed due to ongoing renovations at the Red Hook Cruise Terminal venue.[15][16] The event at Portland International Raceway (PIR) marked the series' return to the U.S. West Coast and the first Formula E race in the Pacific Northwest region since the 2015 and 2016 Long Beach ePrix events.[17] This selection filled a gap in the Season 9 (2022/23) calendar, ensuring continued U.S. presence for the all-electric series amid its expansion to new global venues.[15] Portland's selection was driven by several strategic criteria that aligned with Formula E's goals of sustainability and market growth. The city was chosen for its strong motorsports fanbase, evidenced by PIR's established history hosting major series like IndyCar and NASCAR, which demonstrated proven infrastructure and spectator draw.[12] Additionally, Portland's reputation as one of the most sustainable cities in the U.S., with robust green initiatives and a thriving green technology industry—including hubs like Silicon Forest home to companies such as Nike and Intel—perfectly complemented the championship's eco-friendly ethos.[18][12] Formula E co-founder and Chief Championship Officer Alberto Longo emphasized that Portland "ticked all the boxes" after New York's challenges, highlighting its proximity to the city center (just two miles for PIR) and potential to engage tech-savvy audiences.[18] The hosting agreement involved key partnerships with PIR operators, including Green Savoree Racing Promotions, and received strong backing from local government officials, such as Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler, who viewed the event as a catalyst for economic recovery and tourism.[19][12] This collaboration was projected to boost the regional economy through visitor spending, similar to prior major events at PIR, while promoting Portland's environmental leadership on an international stage.[12] The initial contract secured Portland's place starting in Season 9, with subsequent extensions confirming a multi-year commitment that included a double-header in 2024.[15]Circuit
Track Layout
The Portland ePrix utilizes a 3.190 km circuit at Portland International Raceway, a permanent road course adapted slightly for the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. The layout consists of 12 turns—eight right-handers and four left-handers—and is run in a clockwise direction, with the start/finish line situated on the front straight near the main grandstands, providing spectators a clear view of the race start and finishes.[20][21] Key features of the track include the technical Shelton Chicane at Turn 1, a tight right-left sequence immediately after the front straight that demands precise braking and serves as a primary overtaking zone. The circuit then flows into a high-speed back straight leading to Turns 2 and 3, followed by a series of medium- to high-speed corners, such as the long sweeping Turn 9 that encircles the stadium area and encourages slipstreaming. The overall design emphasizes speed and flow, with ample opportunities for close racing, while the flat profile—featuring minimal elevation changes—prioritizes consistent energy deployment for Formula E's electric powertrains.[22][23] Compared to the standard Portland International Raceway configuration used by series like IndyCar, the Formula E layout is marginally longer at 3.190 km versus 3.166 km, achieved through minor extensions in the Shelton Chicane and adjustments to Turn 1 to better align with the series' energy management demands and safety standards.[24] A standard turn-by-turn breakdown highlights the circuit's rhythm: Turn 1 forms the entry to the Shelton Chicane (right-hander into a left), Turns 2-3 create a flowing double-apex right, Turns 4-6 involve tighter medium-speed rights and a left, Turn 7 is a sharp right with the Attack Mode activation zone on its outside, Turn 8 transitions via a left kink, and Turn 9 sweeps as a long right-hander before the back straight and final corners back to the start.[20][21]Formula E Adaptations
The Portland International Raceway circuit underwent minimal modifications to accommodate Formula E racing, primarily to ensure compatibility with the series' technical and safety requirements while preserving the venue's established road course layout. A key adjustment involved a slight reconfiguration at Turn 1, extending the lap length to 3.190 km from the standard IndyCar distance of 3.166 km, which provides a marginally longer racing line without altering the overall 12-turn configuration. This change, implemented for the inaugural 2023 event, was retained for 2024, where a proposed additional chicane on the start-finish straight for enhanced energy recovery was ultimately abandoned following FIA safety assessments and team consultations, avoiding potential crash risks and maintaining the original track dynamics.[24][25] Energy management features were integrated into the circuit design to align with Formula E's power deployment rules, emphasizing strategic overtaking and efficiency. The layout includes designated Attack Mode activation zones, such as at Turn 7 on the outside line for the 2023 edition, allowing drivers to temporarily increase power output to 350 kW for up to four minutes by entering the zone, which promotes dynamic racing on the track's long straights and technical sections. Temporary rumble strips and curbs were added in select areas to guide drivers and enhance grip during high-speed maneuvers, supporting the series' focus on energy conservation without requiring permanent infrastructure overhauls.[26][27] Safety enhancements prioritized FIA homologation standards and adaptations for Formula E's single-seater vehicles, which feature the halo protection device. The circuit holds FIA Grade 2 homologation, sufficient for Formula E events, with runoff areas adjusted at key corners like Turns 1 and 7 to provide adequate space for high-impact incidents involving the narrower Gen3 cars (1.70 m wide). Barriers, including extensions at the Shelton Chicane (Turns 9-10), were reinforced with temporary setups to mitigate risks from the cars' electric powertrains and reduced width compared to wider series like IndyCar, ensuring safer deceleration zones without narrowing the overall track.[28][29][30] Infrastructure upgrades supported the series' operational needs, particularly for Gen3 vehicles introduced in 2023. Pit lanes were enhanced with mobile high-power charging stations provided by official partner ABB, capable of delivering up to 160 kW to service two cars simultaneously for pre-race preparation, reflecting Formula E's emphasis on rapid energy replenishment. Sustainable materials like recyclable Tecpro barriers were deployed in runoff areas to align with the championship's environmental goals. These adaptations distinguish the Formula E setup from broader PIR events, where lanes remain optimized for the series' compact 2-meter-wide cars versus the wider paths used by IndyCar machinery.[31][32]Race History
2023 Edition
The 2023 Southwire Portland ePrix served as the inaugural edition of the event and Round 12 of the 2022–23 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship season, taking place on June 24 at Portland International Raceway in Oregon.[23] This single-race weekend, originally considered for a double-header format, generated buzz as Formula E's first visit to the U.S. Pacific Northwest, replacing the New York City ePrix on the calendar and drawing enthusiasm from local motorsport enthusiasts eager for electric racing innovation.[33] With 22 drivers competing on the 12-turn, 2.002-mile (3.221 km) circuit adapted for Gen3 cars, the buildup emphasized energy efficiency challenges on the track's long straights and technical corners.[23] In qualifying, Jake Dennis of the Avalanche Andretti Formula E team claimed pole position with a lap time of 1:08.931, edging out Nissan's Sacha Fenestraz by 0.065 seconds and setting the stage for a competitive start.[34][35] The race commenced under dry conditions with ambient temperatures around 27°C, promoting bold overtaking opportunities across the 403 total passes recorded— a series high at the time.[26][36] Nick Cassidy of Envision Racing delivered a standout performance, charging from 10th on the grid to secure victory after 28 laps, fending off Dennis in a tense energy-saving duel over the final stages.[6][14] Key incidents included an early safety car on lap 10 triggered by a high-speed crash from Abt's Nico Mueller, whose front wing failure led to a 27G impact on the run from Turn 9 to Turn 10, requiring a seven-lap full-course caution for debris clearance.[37] A second safety car period later addressed a stalled car, bunching the field and prompting strategic decisions on tire allocations and attack mode deployments to optimize battery usage.[38] These interruptions heightened the drama, enabling drivers like António Félix da Costa (Porsche) to recover to third place.[39] Over 20,000 spectators filled the sold-out grandstands, marking a strong debut turnout bolstered by accessible ticket pricing and proximity to public transit.[40] Post-race, Cassidy's third win of the season elevated him to second in the Drivers' Championship with 161 points, trailing new leader Dennis by just one point and intensifying the title fight heading into the season's final rounds.[14][41]2024 Round 13
The 2024 Hankook Portland E-Prix Round 13 took place on June 29, 2024, at Portland International Raceway, serving as the 13th round of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship Season 10 and forming the first event of a back-to-back double-header weekend.[10] Qualifying saw intense competition on the high-speed circuit, with Mitch Evans of Jaguar TCS Racing securing pole position after defeating Norman Nato of Andretti Global in the final duel, though Nato started 12th due to a 10-place grid penalty for a prior powertrain change.[42] The 27-lap race featured aggressive energy management strategies, including strategic activations of Attack Mode to gain temporary power boosts, which shuffled the order multiple times amid close battles for the lead.[43] A safety car was deployed on lap 13 following damage to Maximilian Günther's Maserati MSG Racing car after contact at Turn 1, bunching the field and prompting several drivers to pit for Attack Mode.[44] Later, on lap 20, Evans, leading from pole, collided with Jake Hughes of McLaren while defending his position, sustaining front wing damage but continuing to hold off António Félix da Costa of TAG Heuer Porsche in a tense drag race to the finish; Evans crossed the line first but received a five-second time penalty for causing the incident, demoting him to second and awarding the victory to da Costa by just 0.572 seconds.[45] Robin Frijns of Envision Racing completed the podium in third, while championship leader Nick Cassidy recovered from a mid-race setback to finish fourth, maintaining his points advantage.[46] Da Costa's win marked his third consecutive victory and fourth of the season, providing redemption after his controversial disqualification from a win in Round 6 at Misano due to a technical infringement with his car's throttle damper spring.[47] He expressed satisfaction in the post-race interview, noting the result boosted his title aspirations despite earlier setbacks.[44] Pascal Wehrlein of TAG Heuer Porsche, a key title contender, finished 10th after struggling with energy deployment, narrowing the gap to Cassidy but highlighting the weekend's high stakes for the championship battle heading into Round 14.[46] The event drew over 25,000 spectators, an increase from the previous year, with vibrant fan zones showcasing electric vehicle displays and interactive sustainability exhibits to engage the Pacific Northwest audience.[20] The track's adaptations, such as extended run-off areas, supported the race's dynamic format without major interruptions beyond the planned safety periods.[10]2024 Round 14
The 2024 Hankook Portland E-Prix Round 14 took place on June 30, 2024, serving as the 14th round of the 2023–24 Formula E season and marking the final edition of the event at Portland International Raceway, though this was not publicly known at the time.[13] As the second race of a double-header weekend, it featured intense competition amid the tight drivers' championship battle, with Nick Cassidy holding a slim lead entering the round.[48] In qualifying, Jean-Éric Vergne of DS Penske secured pole position with a strong performance, edging out António Félix da Costa of TAG Heuer Porsche by a narrow margin, while Sam Bird of Jaguar TCS Racing and Robin Frijns of Envision Racing rounded out the top four.[49] The race itself delivered high drama, highlighted by da Costa's repeat victory through a bold energy management strategy that allowed him to pull away after the safety car period and defend against late challenges. Starting from second, da Costa capitalized on the restart to take the lead on lap 21, ultimately crossing the line 1.456 seconds ahead of Frijns in second, with Mitch Evans securing third for Jaguar TCS Racing.[8] This marked da Costa's third consecutive win across rounds, including the previous event in Shanghai.[50] The race was marred by several incidents that added to its chaotic nature, including a multi-car collision on lap 13 at Turn 1 involving Jake Dennis of Andretti Global and Caio Collet of Envision Racing, which caused front-wing damage and scattered debris across the track.[8] A safety car was deployed on lap 18 to clear the debris, leading to a tense restart where further close-quarters battles between Frijns, Evans, and Pascal Wehrlein of TAG Heuer Porsche created additional near-misses but no further stoppages. Vergne, starting from pole, was involved in on-track contact but received no penalty from stewards, finishing fifth after a strong recovery drive.[8] Nick Cassidy, the championship leader, suffered a spin while attempting an overtake, dropping to 13th and scoring no points, which significantly impacted his title hopes.[48] Da Costa's back-to-back Portland triumphs strengthened TAG Heuer Porsche's position in the constructors' championship, moving them closer to Jaguar TCS Racing, who maintained a 55-point lead despite Evans' consistent podium finish.[51] In the drivers' standings, Cassidy's non-score reduced his advantage to just 12 points over both Evans and Wehrlein, setting up a dramatic finale in London.[48] The event concluded with local celebrations at the track, including podium ceremonies and fan engagements that highlighted the Pacific Northwest's enthusiasm for electric motorsport, though underlying discussions about the series' future calendar remained private.[50]Results and Records
Individual Race Outcomes
The Portland ePrix has featured three races in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, with outcomes summarized below for each event. Key details include the pole sitter, winner, podium finishers, fastest lap setter, and full top-10 classifications, including team affiliations. Leading lap counts are noted where documented from race reports. 2023 Portland ePrix (Round 12, Season 9) Jake Dennis of Andretti Formula E secured pole position with a lap time of 1:08.931. Nick Cassidy of Envision Racing won the race in a total time of 50:40.629, leading 30 laps after taking the lead on lap 3; Dennis led the opening 2 laps. The podium was completed by Dennis in second (+0.294) and António Félix da Costa of TAG Heuer Porsche in third (+1.140). Mitch Evans of Jaguar TCS Racing set the fastest lap of 1:11.216 on lap 27.[52][53][54][55]| Position | Driver | Team | Time/Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nick Cassidy | Envision Racing | 50:40.629 |
| 2 | Jake Dennis | Andretti Formula E | +0.294 |
| 3 | António Félix da Costa | TAG Heuer Porsche | +1.140 |
| 4 | Mitch Evans | Jaguar TCS Racing | +1.758 |
| 5 | Sébastien Buemi | Envision Racing | +2.220 |
| 6 | Maximilian Günther | Maserati MSG Racing | +2.307 |
| 7 | Lucas di Grassi | Mahindra Racing | +2.982 |
| 8 | Pascal Wehrlein | TAG Heuer Porsche | +3.684 |
| 9 | Norman Nato | Nissan Formula E Team | +3.961 |
| 10 | Robin Frijns | ABT Formula E | +4.300 |
| Position | Driver | Team | Time/Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | António Félix da Costa | TAG Heuer Porsche | 44:58.912 |
| 2 | Robin Frijns | Envision Racing | +0.415 |
| 3 | Jean-Éric Vergne | DS Penske | +1.440 |
| 4 | Edoardo Mortara | Mahindra Racing | +1.701 |
| 5 | Nico Müller | ABT Cupra Formula E Team | +2.086 |
| 6 | Jake Dennis | Andretti Global | +2.634 |
| 7 | Sam Bird | NEOM McLaren Formula E Team | +2.858 |
| 8 | Mitch Evans | Jaguar TCS Racing | +4.507 |
| 9 | Stoffel Vandoorne | DS Penske | +5.183 |
| 10 | Pascal Wehrlein | TAG Heuer Porsche | +5.653 |
| Position | Driver | Team | Time/Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | António Félix da Costa | TAG Heuer Porsche | 45:15.234 |
| 2 | Robin Frijns | Envision Racing | +0.332 |
| 3 | Mitch Evans | Jaguar TCS Racing | +3.194 |
| 4 | Pascal Wehrlein | TAG Heuer Porsche | +3.262 |
| 5 | Jean-Éric Vergne | DS Penske | +3.683 |
| 6 | Nico Müller | ABT Cupra Formula E Team | +3.785 |
| 7 | Norman Nato | Andretti Global | +4.887 |
| 8 | Maximilian Günther | Maserati MSG Racing | +5.692 |
| 9 | Sébastien Buemi | Envision Racing | +6.250 |
| 10 | Jake Dennis | Andretti Global | +6.840 |