Rose Cup races will return in July March 16 2021 The return of the annual race series is one of the first local sports events to come back. Following an unprecedented one-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Portland's Friends of PIR have announced that the city's signature auto racing event will return this summer to celebrate 60 years of competition. The organization said the 2021 Rose Cup Races will take place July 9 to 11 at Portland International Raceway. According to the announcement, auto enthusiasts and their friends and family will enjoy seven different race groups — including a return of Go-Karts — as well as special salutes to the cars, drivers and stories compiled since 1961.