Electric motorcycle race coming to Portland
By Christina Williams
Editor, Sustainable Business Oregon
Portland will play host to the region's first professional electric motorcycle race in July, one more boost to the region's electric vehicle cluster.
TTXGP, the European producer of the eGrandPrix, an international electric motorcycle racing series, announced Tuesday that it will include Portland in its North American tour this summer with a race taking place July 16-17 at the Portland International Raceway.
"TTXGP is very excited to be in one of the most progressive cities in the US that is pushing the frontiers of an alternative energy vision," said Azhar Hussain, CEO and founder of the TTXGP eGrandPrix, in a statement.
The Portland Development Commission worked with the organization to bring the race to Portland and signed on as a sponsor for $2,500.
"Bringing the race here is a validation of our reputation," said James Mast, a project manager for the electric vehicle cluster at the PDC. "It speaks volumes to showcase nontraditional vehicles here in this way."
Two Oregon electric vehicle companies have participated in the eGrandPrix in the past including Brammo, the Ashland-based electric motorcycle company, and MotoCzysz of Portland, which made international headlines last summer when it won the TT Zero, a prestigious electric motorcycle race on the Isle of Man.
The race is a good fit for Oregon's electric vehicle cluster because many of the companies that are a part of Drive Oregon, the new industry group, are making three-, two- or even one-wheeled electric vehicles, rather than traditional sedans.
Mast said he expects the eGrandPrix, which is much more established in Europe than in the United States, will bring international exposure to Portland.
The electric bike race in July will take place alongside traditional motorcycle races put on by the Oregon Motorcycle Road Racing Association.
christinawilliams@bizjournals.com | 503.219.3438
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