Looking Back.... Pacific Raceways, constructed in 1959, opened the track in 1960 with a mission of providing a safe, controlled environment for racing.
The Fiorito family became involved at the tracks inception in 1958 when Dan Fiorito Sr. wanted to eliminate the dangers of teenage racing on public streets.
At the time, Dan Sr. owned a heavy road construction company and agreed to construct and pave the track. Thus, brothers Dan Jr. and Joe, along with the construction crew spent their 1959 summer break building the road course.
Pacific Raceways soon became a favorite of both racers and fans alike. In fact, noted international drivers stated the road course to be one of the best in the United States.
The Pacific Raceways course is unique and is in sharp contrast to flat and oval courses.
The 2.25-mile nine turn circuit is carved out of natural wooded terrain with a total elevation change of just over 125 feet.
With an elevation drop of 110 feet occurring over a distance of one-half mile, the Pacific Raceways winding road course is challenging, carved out of a natural wooded terrain, and considered a true drivers track.
Drag racing has played an essential roll in track history. The inaugural race was held on July 3rd and 4th 1960. Dick Kalivoda won the inaugural NHRA event, a divisional race. He set an NHRA national elapsed-time (E.T.) record with an 11.78-second pass.
In 1976 the Fiorito family made the decision to lease the facility to Seattle International Raceway (SIR) with a twenty-five year contract.On January 1, 2002 the contract expired. The Fiorito family resumed control of the track, and restored the tracks original name of “Pacific Raceways”.
The Present.... Today, the mission at Pacific Raceways is to regain its status as the premier motorsports facility in the Northwest region. By reclaiming its past glory, Pacific Raceways will benefit the entire community with competitive racing, and exciting family entertainment.
The track currently hosts a vast range of motorsports events including drag races, sport car races, motorcycle races, club races, and vintage car races. As an organization we cater to the motorsport enthusiast, and corporate racing programs.
Pacific Raceways values every one of these participating organizations, and the fans that provide support for each of these series.
Accordingly, Pacific Raceways will work to enhance these relationships, and provide a world class facility to those who have been devoted to the track over the years.
Pacific Raceways is a leading promoter of motorsports activities in the Pacific Northwest and currently promotes more than 300 events annually.
The Future - Moving Forward.... Pacific Raceways Inc. is a local company owned by the Fiorito family. This family operated business, currently in its fourth generation, has long-standing ties to the community, and is committed to returning Pacific Raceways to its glory of yester-year.
Pacific Raceways will once again be the Northwest’s premier racing facility.