Portland Speedway, also known as Union Avenue Speedway, opened in the
summer of 1936 and enjoyed a 66-year run as the leading oval track in
Portland. Originally built as a dirt track on a farmer's field in the
far north of the city, the track was known for track roadsters based on
Ford's Model T, sprint cars, and stock cars. As returning servicemen
discovered a love for racing, the track exploded in popularity after
World War II. The track was paved in 1946 and flourished as a center for
racing; it even included a drive-in movie theater. Many notable racers,
such as Len Sutton, Rolla Vollstedt, Greg Biffle, and Mike Bliss, either
started their careers at or visited Portland Speedway. But the real
story of Portland Speedway is told in the hundreds of people who made a
living or simply enjoyed the racing life while competing at the Pacific
Northwest's finest track.