FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 28, 2018
CONTACT:
Susan Gera
Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Association
Cell (724) 396-9372 media@pvgp.org
The engines are revving in Pittsburgh as PVGP prepares for its 36th motorsports festival
Vintage Motorsport Magazine’s review of the first PVGP race in 1983 claimed, “if race organizers can get the bugs out of the system, the PVGP could become a staple on the vintage racing calendar.” Thirty-five, years later, that single race day event has stood the test of time and has expanded into two full race weekends and 10 days of parties, parades and car shows and has raised over $5 million dollars for two local charities. Not only has the PVGP become a staple on the vintage race calendar, but also has expanded into a staple motorsports festival with something for everybody and a blessing for local individuals and their families living with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities.
Below are highlight events. Click on event name for more information. The complete calendar can be found by clicking here.
First Race Weekend Events
PVGP Historics at Pittsburgh International Race Complex – July 6-8
Now in its 15th year, the PVGP Historics have grown into a vintage race event that stands alone. Pittsburgh International Race Complex is a purpose-built track that provides the perfect venue for the legends of the 60s and early 70s to thunder nearly unbridled through the Pennsylvania countryside.
Kastner Cup – Saturday, July 7
Only one race venue across the US is appointed to hold the prestigious Kastner Cup award for Triumph competitors nationwide. This year the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Historics was chosen for the 16th annual Kastner Cup.
Race Week Events
Blacktie & Tailpipes Gala – Friday, July 6
Fox Chapel Golf Club is this year’s host site of the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix annual black tie charity gala. Entertainment provided by Pittsburgh band No Bad Juju.
Walnut Street Invitational Car Show – Monday, July 9
Nestled on Shadyside’s charming Walnut Street is a sampling of what’s to come on the weekend at Schenley Park with this impressive display of rare, classic and exotic cars. Show cars by invitation; free to spectators.
Waterfront Car Cruise – Tuesday, July 10
Just about any vehicle can be found among this impressive gathering of approximately 750 vehicles at the Waterfront Shopping Center in Homestead. Car show open to all vehicle makes and years for a suggested $5 donation to our charities.
Downtown Parade and Car Display – Wednesday, July 11
The thunder of 100 race and show cars can be heard from Station Square into downtown Pittsburgh as they parade their way to car displays at the U.S. Steel Tower, PPG Place and Market Square.
Tune-Up Party– Wednesday, July 11
This popular event has grown and moved to Heinz Field this year. Race, specialty and exotic cars will surround Heinz Field on Art Rooney Ave, General Robinson Street and the Riverwalk. The prestigious Champions Club is also reserved for this event and will serve heavy hors d’oeuvres for the cost of admission.
Passport to Elegance Jet Center Party – Thursday, July 12
The second year of this unique first-class charity soiree held in the 18,000 square foot hangar of the Voyager Jet Center at the Allegheny County Airport promises to wow discerning guests. Mingle with the best amongst rare and exotic vintage cars and airplanes. Experience palette-pleasing internationally inspired culinary delights and wine pairings and enjoy live local music by Brazilian jazz artist Kenia.
Second Race Weekend
Forbes Avenue of Speed – Friday, July 13
Experience the sights, sounds and smells of the vintage racecars as they parade from the paddock at Schenley Park into Squirrel Hill and are displayed on Forbes Avenue between Shady and Murray Avenues. Meet drivers and get up close and personal with the cars. The car display is open to the public while the drivers enter Orr’s Jewelers for a private reception.
Schenley Park Vintage Racing and International Car Show – July 14-15
Join us for two days full of family-friendly automobile-themed activity at the Bob O’Connor Golf Course in Pittsburgh’s Schenley Park. Thousands of classic, antique and exotic vehicles fill the golf course for our International Car Show. If speed is more your thing, watch 150 vintage racers compete on the track all day to qualify for Sunday’s featured races. There is plenty of activity for fans to get involved. There are track rides in thee MINIs between races all weekend. The BMW Ring Taxi drifts around the track, entertaining riders and fans. Grab a snack at our food courtyard or shop at our Vendor Village. Spectators are free but donations are encouraged.
The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, Presented by the Greater Pittsburgh Automobile Dealers Foundation, is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization with a mission to host an annual world-class vintage automotive event to raise funds for individuals with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities. It is one of the nation’s premier automotive events with 250,000 attendees. The 2018 Race Week runs July 6-15, culminating with the vintage races through the streets of Pittsburgh and car shows at Schenley Park on July 14-15.
