Portland Historic Races celebrates Women in Motorsports
as a special feature at this summer's event

Though their accomplishments have not always received the appropriate amount of attention, female race car drivers have played a significant role in motorsports over many decades. They have participated in nearly every form of professional and amateur racing, from Formula 1 and NASCAR to drag racing and rally.

Countless other women hold roles as team owners, crew members, officials, turn workers, timing and scoring, and track management.

To celebrate their contributions to the sport, the theme of this year’s Baxter Auto Parts Portland Historic Races is “Women in Motorsports.” The 32nd edition of this event takes place July 11 to 13 at Portland International Raceway.
"Racing is perceived as a man's sport, but there have been many notable women drivers in its history,” said Cris Vandagriff, president of the Historic Motorsports Association. “Now we have Danica Patrick bringing attention to women, and letting people know they are a part of the action. We think it's about time the ladies get the focus!"

A number of lady drivers will be competing at the Historics, driving a variety of marques. One regular participant is Susan Armstrong of Issaquah, Wa., who drives a rare and powerful 1963 Corvette Z06. A vintage racer for 15 years, Susan shares her love of racing with husband Tom and son-in-law Steve Anderson, who are also active racers.

“To me, racing is really a level playing field for women provided they have equal equipment,” notes Armstrong. “Especially young women, who can compete directly with men. That is not always true in other sports. Ladies are truly accepted in vintage racing.”

Retired racer Catherine (Cat) Kizer and her husband David, who reside in White City, Ore., are planning to be spectators at the Historics. Kizer holds the distinction of being the first woman to win a Sports Car Club of America Club Racing National Championship in 1979. During the 1980’s she drove professionally in the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) Kelly American Challenge, along with driving for Renault Racing and Volkswagen of America in IMSA’s Radial Sedan Series.

Though she won’t be present for the event, Cindi Lux of Aloha is a popular local road racer who, through years of gutsy determination, has risen to the national spotlight.

Lux is a 12-time road racing champion and winner of the 1999 American LeMans Series Women’s Global GT Series Championship. This year she was chosen to represent the Mopar Division of Chrysler in the SPEED World Challenge GT Championship, driving a Dodge Viper in the highly-competitive professional series.

“Motorsports is changing so fast for female drivers,” says Lux. “Females now are getting top-notch rides from teams, and motorsports contracts with businesses based on our performance behind the wheel. Being chosen to be the Mopar factory-supported team is huge for me and the team. It has taken over fifteen years to get to this point in my career, and I wouldn’t have changed anything.”

With an entry list exceeding 200 cars, the Historics provide a high-octane blend of speed and classic presentation. The legendary nameplates are divided into eight racing groups based on formula and engine size.

Another highlight of the weekend will be the appearance of more than 20 historic cars from the NASCAR archives. This group is presented by the Historic Stock Car Racing Series, an organization dedicated to the restoration, preservation and continued competition of former NASCAR stock cars.

The Historic Races feature an open paddock, allowing spectators to closely inspect the legendary cars. Other weekend attractions include a gathering of more than 700 collector cars and hot rods, a large vendor midway, the Fred Meyer Food and Wine Pavilion and the popular Pepsi Kid Zone.

This year’s event is a fundraiser for the Community Transitional School, an organization that provides educational services to children in the Portland area who are homeless or otherwise at risk of school failure.

The action takes place daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday is practice for all race groups, while Saturday’s schedule consists of morning qualifying sessions and afternoon heat races. On Sunday, the first of eight 25-minute races begins at 11:20 a.m., followed by a lunchtime collector car parade. Afternoon races resume at 1:15 p.m.

Friday-only admission is $10. Saturday-or-Sunday-only admission is $25. Children 12 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. A three-day weekend pass is available for $40.

Tickets are available at the gate. Advance discount tickets are available at all Baxter Auto Parts locations.