What Is 2022 Pacific Office Automation 147

Overview

The 2022 Pacific Office Automation 147 was a pivotal NASCAR Xfinity Series event that brought stock car racing back to Portland, Oregon, after a 22-year absence. Held at the historic Portland International Raceway, the race combined road course strategy with high-speed oval-style competition.

As the only road course event on the Xfinity Series schedule outside of the traditional superspeedways, it offered a unique challenge for drivers and teams alike. The race was named after Pacific Office Automation, a regional business technology provider serving the Pacific Northwest.

• July 16, 2022 marked the official date of the event, making it the 15th round of the 33-race 2022 Xfinity Series season.
• The Portland International Raceway, a 1.967-mile road course, hosted the race for the first time in the Xfinity Series since 2000.
• Josh Berry secured his first career Xfinity Series victory, driving the No. 8 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports.
• The race consisted of 147 laps, covering a total distance of 288.149 miles, with multiple cautions due to tight road course racing.
• Sam Mayer finished second, just 0.782 seconds behind Berry, highlighting the close competition throughout the final laps.

How It Works

The Pacific Office Automation 147 blended traditional NASCAR racing with the technical demands of road course driving, requiring specialized setups and driver adaptability.

• Start Time: The race began at 4:00 PM Eastern Time (1:00 PM local time) under partly cloudy skies with mild temperatures of 72°F.
• Track Length: Portland International Raceway spans 1.967 miles with 12 turns, including elevation changes and tight braking zones.
• Caution Periods: There were 6 caution flags for a total of 32 laps, primarily due to on-track incidents and spinouts.
• Lead Changes: A total of 18 lead changes occurred among 8 different drivers, reflecting the dynamic nature of road course racing.
• Pit Strategy: Teams had to balance tire wear and fuel mileage, with most opting for a two-stop strategy over the 147-lap distance.
• Winner’s Margin: Josh Berry won by 0.782 seconds over Sam Mayer after a late-race restart with three laps remaining.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key performance metrics from top finishers in the 2022 Pacific Office Automation 147:

The table illustrates how strong team performance, particularly from JR Motorsports, dominated the race. All three of their entries finished in the top five, showcasing superior road course preparation and pit strategy execution.

Why It Matters

The 2022 Pacific Office Automation 147 was more than just a race—it symbolized NASCAR’s expanding reach into non-traditional markets and its commitment to diverse racing formats.

• The event marked NASCAR’s return to Portland after 22 years, drawing over 30,000 fans to the scenic riverfront circuit.
• It highlighted the growing importance of road courses in driver development and championship contention.
• JR Motorsports solidified its dominance, with all three drivers finishing in the top five, boosting team morale and playoff positioning.
• The race was broadcast nationally on CBS Sports Network, increasing visibility for regional sponsors like Pacific Office Automation.
• It served as a testing ground for Next Gen car adaptability on technical road courses, influencing future race strategies.
• The success of the event prompted NASCAR to reinstate Portland on the 2023 Xfinity Series schedule, confirming its long-term viability.

Ultimately, the 2022 Pacific Office Automation 147 proved to be a milestone race that combined regional pride, technical racing, and national exposure, setting a benchmark for future road course events in the series.