Kaulig Racing Looks to Add to Road Course Legacy in Portland
PORTLAND, Ore. — Kaulig Racing has made Portland International Raceway a proving ground over the past three seasons, scoring two victories and establishing itself as one of the most consistent teams on the 1.97-mile road course. When the NASCAR Xfinity Series field takes the green flag for the Pacific Office Automation 147, the organization will bring three Chevrolets and three unique storylines — each with playoff implications and a chance to add to Kaulig’s West Coast resume.
Daniel Dye Ready for First Portland Xfinity Start
For Daniel Dye, Saturday will mark his first career Xfinity Series start at Portland. Though he’s new to the event at this level, Dye has already made an impression at the track — in 2022, he claimed the pole and finished fourth in an ARCA Menards Series West race that ran entirely in the rain.
Now, Dye brings the Race to Stop Suicide Chevrolet to a track that feels familiar and meaningful. The partnership aims to raise awareness for suicide prevention and mental health resources, a cause Dye has championed throughout his racing career.
“I’m really excited to have Race to Stop Suicide back on the car at the place I made my first-ever road course start,” Dye said. “Hopefully, this weekend the weather is nice, and we can get a good finish on a road course for this No. 10 team.”
Will Brown Debuts on the Oregon Road Course
Australian driver Will Brown is back with Kaulig Racing, making his Xfinity Series debut at Portland. After starting one Cup Series race for the team earlier this year on the Chicago Street Course, Brown will now step into the No. 11 MobileX Chevrolet.
Brown admits Chicago didn’t go as planned, but he’s eager for a fresh chance on a track where Kaulig has recent history. “I remember watching the race last year when the team won with Shane [van Gisbergen], which was awesome to see,” Brown said. “I’m thankful to everyone at Kaulig Racing for having me back.”
The No. 11 entry will carry a strong lineup of Australian-backed partners, including MobileX, Shaw and Partners Financial Services, QuadLock, and Southern Cross Truck Rentals, among others.
Christian Eckes Tackles Portland Doubleheader
Christian Eckes will make his first Xfinity Series start at Portland in the No. 16 Action Industries Chevrolet. Already proven on road courses with two top-five finishes this season at Circuit of the Americas and Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, Eckes views Portland as both a challenge and an opportunity.
“It’s different than some of the other road courses on our schedule, with it being really flat and no elevation changes,” Eckes said. “It’s also super narrow with sharp turns, which makes less room for error… Hopefully it’s a good chance for us during this final run at the playoffs.”
Eckes will also pull double duty, competing in the Portland 112 ARCA Menards Series West race on Friday before climbing into the Xfinity car on Saturday.
Building on Momentum
Kaulig Racing enters Portland with momentum and a track record of success, from AJ Allmendinger’s inaugural win in 2022 to Shane van Gisbergen’s victory last season. With three diverse drivers — a young regular finding his footing, an international newcomer, and a versatile road racer — the team believes it can once again be a factor at the front of the field in Oregon.
As the playoff picture tightens, Portland offers Kaulig Racing another chance to showcase its depth and keep building on its identity as one of the series’ strongest road course programs.
