Portland Parks & Recreation Announces New Manager of Portland International Raceway

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(Portland, OR) –

Portland Parks & Recreation Director Mike Abbaté today announced that E.C. Mueller, a veteran marketing executive with deep ties to the motor sports industry, will be the new manager for Portland International Raceway (PIR). Mueller takes over for Mark Wigginton, who is retiring after 15 years as PIR manager. The raceway is owned by the City of Portland, under Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R).

Mueller will start his new position on September 25. He spent 17 years at Intel Corporation working in marketing and technology. His experience includes brand strategy projects, marketing operations, business management of Intel’s intranet and overseeing analytics of Intel’s sponsorship of the BMW Sauber Formula One racing team. Prior to Intel, Mueller worked at Nissan Motor Corporation in California where his duties included product planning, motorsports/event marketing and model line management.

Mueller received his bachelor’s in Business Administration and Marketing from Cal-Poly San Luis Obispo.  

“There are many passionate, core user groups that love PIR,” says Portland Parks Commissioner Amanda Fritz. “We look to E.C. to continue growing the strength of those ties while also exploring new ways to optimize the venue and serve the communities of Portland.”

“I am excited to utilize my blended experience in motor sports, automotive and technology for this new role,” says Mueller. “Both motor sports in general and PIR in particular are in a time of transition. So that means there is a tremendous opportunity to service our customers in new and innovative ways.”

PP&R Director Mike Abbaté notes that the track has served the community since the 1960s, and expects exciting changes for Portland International Raceway.

“Mark [Wigginton] has done a tremendous job at PIR,” says Abbaté. “As we lose a manager of his caliber to retirement, we are pleased to have someone with E.C.’s experience to help move PIR in to the future. Portland Parks & Recreation is committed to optimizing the unique value PIR offers of being one of few metro located motor racing facilities while also being part of our parks system.”

About Portland International Raceway

PIR features events ranging from running and bicycle races to car shows, drag racing, sports cars and motorcycle road racing, motocross, even dance festivals, and more. PIR is a noted location for commercial photography, and hosts many movies and television shows shot in Portland. The raceway has a popular annual holiday light show, and the largest weekly “cruise-in” in America.

Portland International Raceway opened on the former location of the city of Vanport, which was wiped out by the 1948 flood. In 1961, the first Rose Cup race was held as part of the Portland Rose Festival. By 1965, the track was hosting regular drag races as well as motorcycle and kart races.

For schedule information please go to portlandraceway.com.

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