Schenley Oval – Drivers Page
Vintage Racers,
The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix is one of the premier vintage racing and charity events in the country. I am honored to be the Competition Director for Schenley Park. I have participated in various roles in the Grand Prix since its inception: as a spectator, a car show participant, a photographer, a rallye driver, a racer, a drivers committee member and now Competition Director.
Schenley Park is ready for racing action this summer. With the Panther Hollow Bridge closed for repairs, we’re shifting gears and creating two thrilling new track events for the July 19-20 Vintage Weekend.
We are rerouting the vintage street race onto Overlook Drive and forming a new Hillclimb event to continue the racing action to the golf course. This represents a major enhancement to our Schenley Park offering…for spectators and drivers. We’ve always considered how to incorporate the Schenley Oval into our course, and this does it. The uphill sweeping esses with Oakland and the City of Pittsburgh in the background will be spectacular!
The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix was a finalist in last year’s International Historic Motoring Awards. We are poised to introduce a new excitement factor that features two races simultaneously. This year promises to be the best yet! This promises to be an incredible year with great racing on a smoother, fun new circuit with exciting new turns you won’t want to miss!
Joe Teplitz
PVGP Competition Director
(646) 258-4000
New 2-Mile Track
This exciting new 2-mile racecourse follows our legendary route along the Boulevard of the Allies, tackling the iconic hay bale chicane, veering left just before the Panther Hollow Bridge. From there, racers snake up Overlook Drive, glide past the ice rink and Schenley Oval, and descend onto Greenfield Road. Two quick lefts send them back onto the Boulevard for another high-speed lap. Packed with technical turns and racing challenges, this dynamic circuit stays true to our tradition of vintage road racing through the heart of a city park.
The traditional track in Schenley Park was always one of the most challenging circuits in vintage racing. This new Schenley Oval offers a new challenge and includes a smoother racing surface!
Racers will paddock up on Prospect Drive, and the grid will form on Hobart, as always. The start/finish line will shift to the highest section of the hill on Overlook Drive. We anticipate the same number of turns and 20 corner stations.
Our incredible PVGP Volunteers and our Competition Committee are working on details for all aspects of the race, including spectator areas, safety features and track access. Stay tuned as more details are released.
The traditional track in Schenley Park was always one of the most demanding circuits in vintage racing. This new Schenley Oval offers a new challenge and includes a smoother racing surface!
Links
- Overview
- Schedule
- Race Groups
- Rules & Regulations
- Eligible Cars
- General Info & FAQ
- Legends of Schenley Park
- Register thru MSR Now
Tow Once – Race Twice
We encourage our racers to compete with us on both race weekends and we provide a $100 discount for participants of both events. Accommodations will be made to store cars for free at PIRC during the week between races if you are participating in both events. With a week of events scheduled between race weekends, the Grand Prix is hoping that participants will choose to stay in town for the whole 10 days. The field at Schenley Park will be limited to 150 cars.
Charity Mission
The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix’s mission remains the same as when it was established in 1983: “To host a world-class vintage race event that celebrates our automotive heritage and raises money for charity.” Since 1983, the PVGP has donated over $7 million to our autism and intellectual disability charities. Read more on our Charities.
Safety
The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand has been one of the leading vintage race organizations in the country when it comes to establishing drivers and track safety for road courses. With the assistance of the Steel Cities Region of the SCCA, we have set the standard nationwide for safety set-up and procedures. As a valuable member of the Vintage Motorsports Council, the PVGP has consulted with numerous vintage race venues to help them establish safety regulations and procedures based on our more than 40 years of experience and expertise. See our Racers Policy.
We will continue to uphold these standards for the safety of our racers, volunteers and fans. The races at Schenley Park constitute the most challenging circuit in vintage racing. With stone walls, curbs, phone poles and 23 off-camber turns – there is little room for error. New drivers must attend a special meeting to review the track and its unique requirements.
Car Preparation
Applicants must have a competition license and be a member in good standing with a race organization. The PVGPA will scrutinize cars that qualify within our Race Groups based on the vehicle preparation and safety equipment rules of their respective vintage race organizations. Visit our Eligible Car Page. There will be a few local rules, the most important restriction that applies for all racers is that slick tires are not permitted.
Medical Requirements
The PVGP will accept your vintage race organization’s medical credentials. It is now required that drivers have passed a physical within the last two years. Please have your physician complete the PVGP medical form.
PVGP Competitor Medical Form – PDF
Flickr Gallery from the 2024 Vintage Races – Click the image above to view the entire album