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PORTLAND Ore. (KPTV) - Rubber was burning in the Rose City as the 2024 Portland E-Prix was officially underway at the Portland International Raceway on Saturday.

As race drivers waited for the lights to turn green, hundreds of fans poured into the raceway for the first day of Formula E racing.

Amber Lyn, who was working the event, said the atmosphere can be tense at times but also invigorating.

“I know there’s a lot of build-up to the race but I think the race itself is gonna be really great and just the energy from the people too, just seeing people get excited and the kids, the families, everything, that’s my favorite part as well,” Lyn said. “Formula E, very exciting, international event, we’re very lucky to have it here in Portland, somewhat local and yeah, very busy today. Thankful that the weather’s great as well because it’s not always like that in Portland.”

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With the sun shining and temperatures in the low 80s, it was a beautiful day out on the track, especially for Alain Moise and his son Maximus, who not only got to enjoy the race - but all the performances, games, and food that comes along with it.

“Well, I’m a fan of F1 racing and now we got the E Formula out here in Portland so yeah, we wanted to come support, and have a good time,” Alain Moise said.

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But for Antony Kwabla Tete Torsu who grew up in Ghana, this race meant a little something different.

“So, vehicles have been a part of my entire life,” he said. “You know, growing up in Africa, you don’t have too many activities, I only go to the farm or school. But to see vehicles drive past was something of magic that got my interest.”

The West African native said cars are not just used for transportation. To him - racing is both emotional and spiritual.

“We still have association with them emotionally, so I’ve always been a part of vehicles so my being here is not out of place,” Antony said. “It is because this program is running and as long as it’s running, I’m going to be here.”

For those who didn’t get a chance to catch the fully electric vehicles on Saturday, the event runs through Sunday.