Formula E racers in Portland; Hollywood stars, too

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — For the second time, Formula E racers zoomed around the Portland International Raceway as part of the world championship series. And this time Hollywood stars were there to watch.

It’s the only US stop in the current season’s schedule.

Formula E co-founder and Chief Championship Officer Alberto Longo told KOIN 6 News he loves the energy Portlanders bring to this event. The Formula E racers are single-seaters hitting speeds of 200 mph in electric-powered machines.

“People are going to see action, going to see overtakes, going to see spectacular on the race track,” Longo said. “But then off-track we have a fan village full of activation, full of activities for people of all ages.”

Thrilling finish

António Félix da Costa sped to victory in this event, Round 13 of the Formula E World Championship. Current leader Nick Cassidy slipped from the lead with just one lap left, taking too much curb in one turn and going off track and across the grass.

Not only did that cost Cassidy the race, he fell all the way to 19th place.

Da Costa now has won three of the past four races, including two in a row.

Officials said the average speed of 94.474 mph made it the fastest in Formula E history.

After the race, da Costa said in a statement, “I’m super happy obviously. We knew the type of racing we were going to get, and everybody is getting super good at it. The race was never flat out, because everybody was pushing so hard to be at the front that it’s hard to build up buffer to be flat out eventually. I’ve been on the other side of the of the coin on this one so yeah, just a great momentum to be honest. I’m just really happy with how it’s going.”

Hollywood stars watched the race

Brie Larson and “The Fast and Furious” star Sung Kang were among those watching the Formula E race at PIR Saturday.

Before the race, Larson took a lap in a Nissan Leaf Mismo RC and she wrapped up the race by waving the checkered flag.

Tickets are still available for the literally electric action on Sunday, with live music, food and fan activities as well.

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