IRL in frame for Portland race

The IRL's alternative proposal includes the opportunity of a title sponsorship from one of the championship's engine suppliers (Toyota, Honda or Chevrolet) and a higher rent to be paid to the circuit, although it is for one year rather than three.

"I'm surprised they [OWRS] didn't either call, ask for a meeting or make a proposal," said Portland City Commissioner Jim Francesconi. "All they had to do was call or submit a proposal."

OWRS partner Paul Gentilozzi, one of three owners, said that the group will not take part in a "bidding process."

"We won't do it," he said. "We busted our tails to have a race there, promoted it ourselves to show good faith and in essence they've just turned their backs on us. You can't play with sanctioning bodies. And that's what I felt like they were doing. Perhaps they were being played, too, because in my sincere opinion the IRL has no intention of really going there."

Tim Ramsberger, Champ Car's race promotions vice president, said, "We offered to come back and they put us in a bidding situation that we warned them we were not going to participate in... I think what happened is, Francesconi got some bad advice."

PIR's track manager Mark Wiggington said the venue had to look out for its customers first: "Champ Car has chosen to proceed in a way that I don't quite understand and we're going to move forward in a way that produces the best race for our citizens. My sense is, people want a really good race and a good show. I don't think they're too concerned with who puts it on."