Friday, August 7, 2026

Times are Pacific

Gates open at 8:30
9:00 – 9:30 a.m. USF2000 Championship Practice
9:45 – 10:15 a.m. USF Pro 2000 Practice
11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. USF2000 Championship Qualifying
12:00 – 1:00 p.m. NTT INDYCAR SERIES Autograph Session at FanZone
12:30 – 1:00 p.m. USF Pro 2000 Qualifying
1:30 – 2:15 p.m. INDY NXT by Firestone Practice 1- FS2
2:35 – 3:55 p.m. NTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice 1– FS1
4:10 – 4:50 p.m. USF2000 Championship Race 1
5:05 – 5:50 p.m. USF Pro 2000 Ra

Good morning from a somewhat smoggy, acrid Portland. The wind is supposed to shift this afternoon, and the air quality will improve over the weekend. Today will be the warmest day of the weekend with a high near 90. Race day should see a temperature in the low 80s.

The IndyCar season begins its mad dash to the end of the season with six races in five weeks. Alex Palou is closing in on his fifth titile in six years. A good weekend in the Pacific Northwest should all but seal the championship for him.

For David Malukas, Kyle Kirkwood, and Christian Lundgaard-second, third, and fourth in the standings, time is running out. Gaining ground on Palou this weekend is essential for the three drivers to have any chance at the Astor Cup.

While Sunday may be the last chance for the thr4ee drivers closest to the points leader, Portland may be the best chance for some drivers seeking their first career or season victory. Will Power has won in 2024 and 2025. His first season at Andretti has improved the second half of 2026, and he should do well. David Malukas continues to chase his first career win. I don’t think that this is his weekend, however. Marcus Armstrong came just three laps short of winning at Road America. Could he break into the winner’s column Sunday?

Other than the first turn chaos, Portland has not been known for scintillating racing since IndyCar returned in 2018. I don’t see much changing on race day. In the end, I am picking Will Power to get his first win with Andretti Global and his third straight at this track.

Notes

Narcus Ericsson re -signed with Andretti global for 2027. Ericsson has had the year he needed to in order to retain the ride.

It appears Colton Herta’s chance to land a Formula 1 seat have evaporated. IndyCar return options are limited, but some team could get a great upgrade by signing him. What ann interesting add tom the Silly Season at this point of the year.

Portland is the penultimate race which I will cover on site. I am going to Washington as a fan only, but I will have a race wrap up. Milwaukee will be my last on site race to cover.

I’ll be back after practice unless something huge breaks before then.