This weekend, the Oregon State Xfinity Series Portland race brings new visibility to Oregon State University as it partners with the No. 26 Thompson Pipe Group car, driven by Dean Thompson, at the Portland International Raceway. Scheduled during the Pacific Office Automation 147, this move aims to leverage the national NASCAR platform for enhanced exposure for the university and its branding.
The Pacific Office Automation 147, now in its fourth annual running, marks a significant NASCAR event in the Pacific Northwest. The inaugural 2022 contest represented the region’s first major NASCAR-sanctioned event since the Camping World Truck Series last visited Portland in 1999 and 2000. This resurgence has energized fans across Oregon and neighboring states, with strong local turnout over the past three years.
Oregon State University’s Strategic Partnership with NASCAR
Oregon State University is eager to highlight its connection with the broader community through its sponsorship at the Portland International Raceway event. Rob Odom, Oregon State’s Vice President of University Relations & Marketing, described the university’s pride in this partnership:
“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,”
—Rob Odom, Vice President of University Relations & Marketing
This sponsorship will see the No. 26 Tompson Pipe Group X Oregon State University GR Supra donning black and orange, featuring prominent Oregon State Beavers logos on both the hood and car sides. The word “Beavers” is emblazoned on the rear bumper, and the racing number stands out with its white hue trimmed by bold black and orange outlines. The car’s design ensures high visibility for Oregon State’s branding throughout national television coverage.
Local Driver and Community Engagement
Dean Thompson, who will drive the featured vehicle, expressed enthusiasm for competing in Portland and for connecting with Oregon’s passionate sports community. He remarked:
“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,”
—Dean Thompson, Driver, No. 26
Thompson highlighted both the progress his team has made on road course tracks and the anticipation of performing for Oregon State supporters. The driver also mentioned plans to visit the university ahead of the race, creating a direct connection between the motorsports world and Beaver Nation. These efforts are expected to strengthen the ties between Oregon State alumni, current students, and racing enthusiasts in the Pacific Northwest.
University Branding as a Racing Trend
The partnership between Oregon State and NASCAR reflects a broader trend in collegiate institutions sponsoring professional race cars. Notably, Liberty University frequently sponsors the No. 24 Chevrolet driven by William Byron in the
