Pedal to the Metal: Oregon Motorsports Tradition

May 29 - September 4, 2011
Exhibit Hours


 

It’s the summer of the automobile in the Portland Park Blocks. Opening in May, the Oregon Historical Society presents Pedal to the Metal, an exhibition of Oregon motorsports.

Pedal to the Metal will explore Oregon’s contribution to automobile design through its rich history of race car builders, and the local men who took to the wheel, sometimes giving their life, to get to the leading edge of speed. This exhibit will showcase a breathtaking display of race cars, motorcycles, and engines. Video footage, photographs, memorabilia, and eye catching wall graphics will provide the context and history for the extraordinary items featured in the exhibit.

The May 29, 2011 opening will coincide with the 100th year of the INDY500. A significant portion of this exhibit will highlight Oregon’s connection to that great event by exhibiting Indy Cars that were driven or designed by Oregonians over the years. The exhibit is also designed to pair with a traveling exhibit of exotic cars hosted by the Portland Art Museum, and the Portland Rose Festival’s Rose Cup Race, which will run its 51st race on June 17-19th, 2011. The exhibit will also explore and celebrate the long tradition of Oregon’s most famous sports car race which began on June 11, 1961 at Portland’s West Delta Park.

Harry A. Merlo Foundation

The Mark Family

Robert Joki, Sovereign Collection Fine Art Gallery

Mike Bell, Director, Oregon Motorsports Museum Association

Members: Join us for a private member celebration for the exhibit on Wednesday, June 1 from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Curators and exhibit contributors will be on site. Space is limited, please RSVP online or call 503-306-5211.