Mark your calendars for the August 3/4 weekend in 2024 for one of the most unique automotive experiences ever! The signature event of the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix is our Race Weekend in Schenley Park and it should be on everybody’s bucket list. 125 vintage racers compete over city streets as 100,000 spectators watch the races and browse the car show, which contains 3,000 show cars, sponsor tents, vendors, a food court and a LiveStream stage.
Vintage Races
The PVGP races vintage cars through the actual city streets of Schenley Park. Most are European sports cars from the fifties and sixties including MG, Triumph, Mini, Austin-Healey, Porsche, BMW and Alfa Romeo. 2023 Race Entries. This circuit is considered by many drivers to be the most challenging race course worldwide. With 22 turns, 11 elevation changes, telephone poles, curbs, stone wall and numerous manhole covers, it’s no wonder the 2.33-mile circuit tests driving skills and entertains crowds. There are practice/warm-up sessions each morning. Qualifying races take place on Saturday with the Featured Races on Sunday. Both afternoons feature exciting racing as groups are separated by engine size and year of manufacture. There is little difference to spectators between Saturday and Sunday’s track action, as 125 sports cars will compete. Click here for more racing details and schedules.
Car Shows
There are very few auto races that also provide the diversion of a car show. At the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix in Schenley Park, we offer nearly 3,000 of them – from all brands, on the golf course overlooking the vintage races. Some are museum pieces from around the world and others are rare and exotic. There are no prerequisites to be in the show, subsequently, you may find new and late model cars and even cars at different levels of restoration. Featured weekend car displays include the Italian Cortile, Pittsburgh Cars N Coffee and German Hill featuring Porsche, BMW, Mercedes and VW. There are also car show for American and Asian cars. There is also a massive display of over 500 British Cars on Saturday, August 3 and Patron Parking on Sunday, August 4. Click here for more details on the PVGP International Car Show
Spectators
The best place to watch the races is from the 456 acre Bob O’Connor Golf Course where the Grand Prix stages its International Car Show. Spectators browse the 3,000 vehicle car show and watch the vintage races from the Bob O’Connor Golf Course at Schenley Park. Visit Spectator Information. There are a hundred sponsor and vendor tents along with food and refreshments. The races are reminiscent of the sports car road racing that started back in the 40’s and 50’s at Watkins Glen and Elkhart Lake. There are no grandstands or seating provided. The races start at 8:30 am each day and run until approximately 5:00 pm.
Entry
The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix was established in 1983 as a charity event and always will be. In order to continue making a significant donation to our charity partners, we humbly request a $10/weekend donation from spectators that walk into the Race Weekend in Schenley Park. Anybody entering in a vehicle as a car show participant or as a sponsor/vendor will be given a wristband for the weekend as part of their package.
Parking
Public parking is available on Flagstaff Hill for $30 and up to 4 people in the car receive a wristband for free entry into the event. A free air-conditioned shuttle bus will take you to the golf course or start/finish line. Flagstaff Hill is across the street from the Phipps Conservatory. Enter from the intersection of Frew Street and Schenley Drive.
International Car Show Sponsored by Caliente Pizza & Drafthouse – DETAILS
Pre-registered Car Show participants can enter the show grounds each day beginning at 8:00 a.m. So much happens on the Race Weekend in Schenley Park that we can’t fit it all on one page, so here are some quick links to shows and events.