PITTSBURGH, PA (January 17, 2024)
This will be the third time that MINI is the marque of the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix. This British icon was previously honored in 2004, then 2014 and in keeping with the 10 year trend, again here in 2024.
Minis will be everywhere this summer in Pittsburgh. They will be on track both weekends and will be represented at all of our car shows throughout the July 26 through August 4 Race Week
The local dealer is ready for this summer exclaiming “excitement is in the air as MINI and MINI of Pittsburgh takes the spotlight as Marque of the Year at the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix. Buckle up for a year of high-octane moments, classic charm, and a celebration of the timeless allure of MINI. Join us as we revitalize the spirit of motoring, embrace the elegance of the past, and set the stage for a future filled with MINI adventures. This honor is a testament to our commitment to excellence, and we can’t wait to share this thrilling ride with the entire Pittsburgh community.”
Artist Todd Cook
Many thanks to artist Todd Cook for the fabulous poster! Todd has been creating incredible work for over 15 years in the Tampa, St. Pete, Clearwater, Florida area. Todd is a talented graphic artist and fine artist who does a variety of automotive art including illustration and hand-painted car pieces. Todd also created a second poster featuring a GT40 in honor of the GT40 60th Reunion the PVGP is hosting on July 26-28. Look for Todd at Schenley Park in August as he joins us for Race Week.
The poster features Bruce Whipple racing his 1962 Austin Mini Cooper S that competes with us in Schenley Park and Pitt Race. Bruce hails from Newton, New Jersey and he plans to change his race number to 42 signifying the 42nd running of the PVGP to match the poster. The Gulf Oil powder blue and marigold orange livery has a long Pittsburgh history dating to the sixties when Gulf Oil was headquartered here and they began their worldwide race sponsorship program.
Birth of a Racer
In 1959, the first Classic Mini was introduced to Britain: an unassuming, inexpensive 4-person “saloon” that didn’t use up a lot of gas or take up much space. And though at first, some people didn’t quite know what to make of this quirky newcomer, other people began to get big ideas. In 1961 the humble little people-mover fell into the hands of British racing legend John Cooper. A more powerful engine, bigger brakes and a few tuning tweaks later, the Classic Mini Cooper 997 was introduced. And a rally demon was born. John Cooper’s Classic Mini Cooper and Cooper S went on to dominate the 1960’s race scene, winning almost every international competition imaginable, including historic wins at Monte Carlo in 1964, 1965, 1966 and 1967. And a car for the ages was born.
MINI Track Rides
Vince Longo Jr. and MINI of Pittsburgh are teaming up to get MINIs ready for track laps at Schenley Park and Pitt Race. Now in its 11th year, the MINI Track Rides program is a huge success and one of our most exciting way for fans to get on track. Three race-equipped MINI Coopers are custom-wrapped and showcased on the track and at Grand Prix Race Week events. Vince Longo Jr. and his certified racers take riders around the track for an experience and view you can only get from inside a car. Details
About the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix
Founded in 1983, the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Motorsport Festival features two weekends of racing action. The first weekend is the PVGP Historics at Pittsburgh International Race Complex. The second weekend is racing through a 2.33-mile road course set on the streets of Schenley Park. Between our race weekends, we stage car shows, parties, road rallies, and a black tie formal. The PVGP is driven by 1,200 volunteers dedicated to staging the country’s largest and longest-running vintage race event. It is also a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization with a mission to provide residential care, treatment and support for people with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities – donating $6.7 million to date.
Contact
Dan DelBianco Phone 412 559-3500
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