1984. A new beginning and the writing on the wall.

In 1984, PIR hosted its first CART race. Although due to further increasing pressure from citizens groups concerns regarding noise, major drag races were eliminated from the PIR schedule at the end of the 1985 season. Noise variance days for the track were also reduced.

In order to comply with CART track specifications, PIR underwent some $800,000 worth of improvements in 1984. The most noticeable change to the track itself was the addition of a chicane (or "Festival Curves") toward the end of the main straight/dragstrip (the main straight pavement remains intact for drag races, etc.). Beginning at turn 5, Victory Blvd. was widened and concrete barriers were installed along the inside of its entire length. This included 7 foot tall debris fencing. Turn 9 was tweaked a bit, repaved and widened near the new pit entry road. This required removing 150 feet of existing guardrail. The entire front straight/dragstrip (Cottonwood St.) was also repaved. A special "asphaltic concrete" compound was used for the repaved areas. These changes increased the track length to 1.967 miles. Probably the most noticeable change to the facility itself was the new 900 foot long pro pit area located on the infield of the front straight. Behind it is a new 2 1/2 acre paddock area. Many spectator safety improvements were made. Including additional concrete barriers and debris fencing. These improvements have brought PIR up to the FIA (Federation Internationale d' Automobile) standards. Making it a truly world class motorsports facility. In 1985 the B. F. Goodrich (then Good Year, and for 2005, Bridgestone) pedestrian bridge was built.

 While I enjoy CART racing, and was glad to see the series come to Portland, I was very disappointed to witness the end of all major drag races held at PIR. Although in retrospect, it actually may have been a good thing for everybody who uses the track today. Given the noise situation with a race track located in the city limits, PIR's days could have been doomed without the revenue brought in by drag racing. Perhaps this new era of racing at PIR is what allows us to call Portland International Raceway our home track today.