What’s Happening?
Sam Hunt Racing is proud to welcome Oregon State University (OSU) as the primary partner for Dean Thompson and the No. 26 OSU / Thompson Pipe Group GR Supra in the upcoming NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) event at Portland International Raceway. Set for Saturday, August 30, the Pacific Office Automation 147 marks the fourth annual running of the race in the Pacific Northwest, and is the only standalone NXS event in the region—driving deep local engagement and university pride.
Oregon State’s distinctive Beavers branding will adorn Thompson’s car, reinforcing a message of academic excellence, innovation, and regional connection. As the only NXS stop in Oregon, the event offers an authentic intersection of motorsports, higher education, and local fandom.
“As Oregon’s statewide university, we’re proud to help welcome NASCAR back to Portland and share our pride with the many Beaver Nation NASCAR fans,” said Rob Odom, Vice President of University Relations & Marketing for Oregon State University.
Thompson, who is making his track debut in front of OSU’s home crowd, is equally motivated.
“I’m excited to race at Portland for the first time and to give the hometown crowd someone to root for with the OSU Beavers on the hood of our GR Supra,” said Dean Thompson.”We’ve really advanced on road courses throughout the year, and I look forward to racing hard for the local fanbase and OSU supporters to bring home a great result. It’ll be a great experience visiting the university on Friday, bringing the NASCAR world to the doorstep of Beaver Nation.”…