Oregon Raceway Park

Overview

Oregon Raceway Park (ORP) is a premier road racing facility nestled in the scenic high desert landscape of north central Oregon. Located near the small town of Grass Valley in Sherman County, this challenging 2.3-mile asphalt circuit features an impressive 16 turns and over 400 feet of elevation changes. Known for its technical layout and dramatic topography, ORP offers drivers a thrilling combination of flowing corners, high-speed straights, and challenging blind crests that reward precision and skill. The track's natural terrain setting provides breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside while creating a unique and demanding driving experience that appeals to motorsport enthusiasts of all levels.

Technical Specifications and Track Features

Oregon Raceway Park's 2.3-mile circuit can be configured in multiple layouts to provide versatility for different events and training scenarios. The full course features 16 turns with a diverse mix of technical complexes, sweeping corners, and straightaways. What truly sets ORP apart is its remarkable elevation changes – over 400 feet throughout the lap – creating a three-dimensional driving challenge rarely found in modern circuits. The track's signature "Roller Coaster" section delivers a heart-pounding sequence of blind crests and downhill turns that test a driver's commitment and car control.

The 40-foot wide racing surface offers ample room for safe passing while maintaining challenging racing lines. The circuit was designed to accommodate everything from high-performance motorcycles to formula cars, sports racers, and production vehicles. With run-off areas strategically placed at key corners and comprehensive safety barriers, ORP balances excitement with safety. The track can be run in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions, effectively creating two distinct circuits that offer different challenges and learning opportunities.

Facilities and Specialized Areas

Oregon Raceway Park features comprehensive facilities to support a wide range of motorsport activities. The paddock area provides ample space for teams, with electrical hookups and basic amenities for competitors. Observation areas give spectators excellent vantage points to view multiple sections of the track simultaneously. The facility includes a control tower with timing and scoring capabilities, essential for competitive events and track day organization.

For driver training and development, ORP offers a skid pad area where drivers can practice car control techniques in a controlled environment. The circuit hosts numerous driving schools throughout the season, catering to both novice enthusiasts and experienced racers looking to refine their skills. Though more remote than some facilities, ORP offers basic camping accommodations on-site, allowing participants to stay close to the action during multi-day events. The park's location in Sherman County's high desert ensures relatively dry conditions throughout much of the racing season, with spectacular weather conditions during spring and fall.

History

Oregon Raceway Park opened in 2008, making it one of the newer purpose-built road racing circuits in the Pacific Northwest. The facility was developed by a group of dedicated motorsport enthusiasts who recognized the need for a challenging road course in the region. The track's design took advantage of the natural topography of the land, incorporating the rolling terrain to create a distinctive circuit character that differentiates it from flatter, more traditional layouts.

Since its inception, ORP has steadily grown in popularity among car clubs, motorcycle organizations, and racing series throughout the Northwest. The track has hosted events for various sanctioning bodies including SCCA, NASA, OMRRA, and numerous marque-specific clubs. Oregon Raceway Park has established itself as a driver's track – a circuit that rewards skill, precision, and courage while offering a pure driving experience in a spectacular natural setting. As the facility continues to develop its infrastructure and expand its calendar of events, it remains committed to providing a challenging and rewarding venue for motorsport enthusiasts throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond.