2009 PORTLAND HISTORICS // VINTAGE RACING AT ITS FINEST

Last weekend ColdTrackDays contributor Camden Thrasher was at the Portland International Raceway for another round of vintage racing. Less than a week had passed since the 2009 SOVREN Pacific Northwest Historics and Camden was yet again knee deep in vintage racing cars. From the rumble of big bore Trans-Am's to the sheer power and speed of former Le Mans prototypes, the Portland Historics are a great way to spend a mid-Summer weekend... [read more]

Vintage Alfa Romeo's are a common sight at vintage races here in the Northwest.

A narrow escape for the driver of this vintage Mini Coooper.

The 1948 Talbot Lago 26C of Peter Giddings made an appearance at Portland last weekend, giving spectators the rare opportunity to see an early post-war Formula One car.

I love the determined look on this gentlemen's face. A beautiful machine with a driver in period correct attire. Perfect.

One of the many prototypes that made an appearance at Portland last weekend. Having scouted a location just inside the chicane along the front straight, Camden was able to get some incredible shots as these came by at speed.

Tony Hart's 1956 Lotus 11 Le Mans. Yet another bit of motorsport history running full speed around Portland International Raceway.

A class that often sees a wide variety of cars, the exhibition class at Portland was uncharacteristically full of prototype's this year.

This is Monte Shelton. Monte is a Portland resident and somewhat of a celebrity in vintage racing circles. He is 76 years old and races like he is 20. He has been involved in racing since the 1950's, taking part in everything from Can-Am, IMSA, Daytona, Trans-Am and everything in-between. Last weekend he was at the wheel of a 1960's Porsche 911 (see above), however he is known to race a twin-turbo Porsche at SCCA events here in the Northwest. A man of legendary proportions as far as I am concerned, click here to read an article about Mr.Shelton that Oregon Live put together last year.

The small and medium bore classes were well represented last weekend, with some 50+ cars spread across the two classes. From the iconic Alfa Romeo GTV to the ever present Datsun 510, these vintage coupes are a great way to go racing without the huge entry costs of a prototype of vintage Formula car.

Stay tuned for more vintage racing action right here on ColdTrackDays!

2009 Portland Historic Photo Gallery

Photo: Camden Thrasher
Editorial: Justin Coffey