Champ Car Zooms Through Portland, Allmendinger Ends Bourdais' Win Streak (AUDIO)

Oregon soldiers officially started the 2006 Champ Car Race on Sunday when they gave the command via telecast "Drivers, Start Your Engines.

Portland Champ Car racing Photo Courtesy: wilsonvillelaquinta.com

(PORTLAND) - Sebastein Bourdais` had a season-opening string of four straight victories.

However, A.J. Allmendinger ended Bourdais streak Sunday by winning the Champ Car Grand Prix of Portland.

For the winner, it was a week of ups and downs.

On Tuesday, he was fired by Dale Coyne Racing and hired by Forsythe Championship Racing. He got engaged to his long-time girlfriend, and on Sunday streaked away from the competition beating runner-up Justin Wilson be nearly six seconds.

Allmendinger says he is pleasantly surprised by his win.

Pole sitter Bruno Junqueira surrendered the lead to Allmendinger on the first lap of the race.

Bourdais finished third.

I`m Kevin Hays reporting for Salem-News.com