Kris Schamp

Hi, everyone!

It's hard to believe, but tomorrow we're already wrapping up the 2015 Portland Short Track Series!

Like in years past, we plan to go out with a bang and I hope you will be able to join us for our Short Track Grand Finale, which promises to be another night of sheer bike race fun.

Here are a couple updates ahead of the madness.

1) Results, Series Standings, and another action photos of last week's STXC # 7.
- Results of last Monday's races: http://list.obra.org/events/23600/results
- Current series standings going into the final night of racing: http://list.obra.org/events/24111/results
- A fresh batch of race action shots taken by our series photographer Victor Duong: https://www.flickr.com/photos/42573615@N03/sets/72157656088384982

Best 7 races out of 8 will count towards the overall and the results of the final race will determine the ranking among racers with equal amount of points. We have a lot of categories where the final podium is still undecided, so expect to witness some exciting races on Monday!

2) Get ready for the Ultra Short Track Team Relay... and our Series Raffle!
Like in years past, we will stage an all-for-fun ultra short track team relay race, which will be staged on the motocross track "under the big lights", starting at 8:15pm. This year, we have lined up 24 teams of 10 racers, who each will get to race one lap. Since we will only use the motocross track, the laps will be ultra-short, ultra-fast and ultra-fun to race and/or watch!
More details: http://www.portlandracing.com/short-track-finale-2015.html

In good tradition, we will close the night and wrap up the series with unique awards for the overall top-3 podium finishers in each category and of course our not-to-be-missed Series Raffle, with a ton of great prizes donated by our generous sponsors, including some much-coveted Chris King bling, Showers Pass gift certificates, a svelte PDW Takeout basket, and a plethora of other sweet prizes donated by our local sponsors Cyclepath, Bike Gallery, Nossa Familia Coffee, The Lumberyard, Yakima, BlaqPacks and of course our title sponsor Hopworks Urban Brewery!

And if you raced last Monday, click here to find out if you are among our final round of weekly raffle winners: http://www.portlandracing.com/weekly-raffle.html

Note: Monday's series raffle is free for all junior and adult racers, but you have to be present to win. Kids racers will enjoy their own raffle earlier in the night (see below).

4) One last night of FREE kiddie races, FREE short track clinics, FREE PB&J sandwiches, and... and encore of the HUB sample booth!
- Like previous weeks, the folks of Islabikes will organize free kids races under the trees (starting at 5:30) and they'll finish the kids' series with raffling off an Islabike among all kids who raced in the series!
- Elaine Bothe and Ted Byram will host one last night of free short track clinics (with a new format and running from 5 to 6 pm).
- Our food station will serve free Dave Killer's Bread PB&J sandwiches.
- Last but not least, Hopworks Urban Brewery will bring out their sampling booth for an encore, so there is your chance to try their award-winning organic summer ales!

Note: The PIR concession stand will also be open and serve burgers, hot dogs, ice cream, sodas and beer. Please respect the PIR policy and do NOT bring any alcoholic beverages from outside the venue.

5) Safety first!
With larger-than-usual race fields this Monday and a lot of new riders (of all ages and skill levels), we like to ask everyone to race safely and courteously. Also a friendly reminder to be safe when crossing the PIR track and follow the crossing marshals' directions. And if you come by car, make sure not to leave any valuables visibly in your car or bikes unlocked on your car rack.

That's it. We're looking forward to seeing you tomorrow at PIR. Round up your friends, bring your family, let's throw a party!

~Kris

PS 1: If you raced earlier in the series, please make sure to bring your race plate! And if you raced multiple categories or have upgraded, make sure to race with the correct plate!
PS 2: Mark Sunday August 30 on your calendars for the Kruger's Kermesse CX Farm Crit! This classic bike race will make for the perfect segway into cyclocross season! And like last year, you can choose between racing solo or as a 2-person team (both races are 45' long), or - even better - race both!
More details at http://www.portlandracing.com/kermesse/