Beat the Heat Program

OREGON BEAT THE HEAT RACING TEAM

Creating a safe and sane alternative to street racing….

WHY WAS OREGON BEAT THE HEAT STARTED

Oregon Beat the Heat was established by law enforcement officers and volunteers from the Portland Oregon Metropolitan Area in 2000. The original concept was proposed by Sergeant Tony Silva and police department volunteer Jim Klock. In the initial stages, there were some minor modifications done to the original 1992 Camaro police traffic car that was designated as surplus and scheduled for replacement. This became the “Beat the Heat” car.

The Oregon Beat the Heat Organization was established to bring young people together with police officers to promote education about the real problems of illegal street racing. The intent is to foster better relationships between ‘Cops and Kids’ and to promote the safe alternative to the always dangerous and often tragic consequences when two cars race on public streets. Portland International Raceway is the home track for Oregon Beat the Heat.

WHERE AND WHEN DOES OREGON BEAT THE HEAT RACE

Oregon Beat the Heat met with the Portland International Raceway (P.I.R.) track managers and together came up with “Late Night Street Legal Drags”. These late night races are held of Friday and Saturday nights from 7 pm to 1 am, April through October. At each of these events, 180-200 cars and up to 1100 spectators attend. These events provide a safe and sane outlet for those who may otherwise race on our city streets. Our continued involvement in this racing program is essential in order to continue to momentum and success at P.I.R. Our hope is to visit other tracks in the Northwest and encourage other agencies and track managers to form such partnerships.

WHAT KIND OF CAR DOES OREGON BEAT THE HEAT RACE

The Oregon Beat the Heat vehicle is a 1992 Camaro RS that was purchased in 1992 as a Traffic Enforcement Patrol Car. It worked in that capacity until 2000 when it was due to be replaced. It has a 350 c.i. engine with a 4 speed automatic transmission. It now has custom wheels, custom paint and many high performance parts. All modifications have been done through the work of volunteers and with generous donations from sponsors who believe strongly in the message that this program is sending.