2009 Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Information

The 2009 Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix will take place July 18-19 at Schenley Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix is unique in America, as it’s the only vintage car race staged on public roads, complete with two lane roads, bridges with stone walls, curbs and telephone poles. And since the race is held on city streets amid the public 456 acre Schenley Park, there are no gates or admission fees charged.

The featured marque for the 2009 Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix will be BMW and organizers expect 300 BMW owners to take part in the Marque Pavilion at Schenley Park. Additionally, there will also be special BMW races each weekend – July 18-19 at Schenley Park and July 11-12 at BeaveRun Motorsports Complex in Beaver Falls. Visit www.pvgp.org/marque for complete details and entry forms.

“Our July 18-19 race weekend at Schenley Park is free to spectators and is an ideal venue for families,” commented PVGP Executive Director Dan DelBianco. “With many families planning to stay closer to home this summer we are expecting a great turnout. Our sponsors and volunteers are already busy preparing for one of our most exciting events yet.”

The race poster for this year’s Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix as created by world-renowned pop artist and Pittsburgh native Burton Morris. His outstanding artwork features a 1938 BMW 328 as it races through Schenley Park; limited edition signed lithographs are available for sale with all proceeds going to the Grand Prix charities.

2009 Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Schedule of Events

Sunday, July 5 – Kick-Off Rallye  Test your driving and navigational skills against a mystery road rallye course starting on South Craig Street in Oakland and finishing at Geno’s in Lawrenceville.

Saturday & Sunday, July 11 & 12 – PVGP Historic Races at BeaveRun in Beaver Falls, seven vintage races, including legendary American muscle cars of the 60’s and 70’s. Special MINI race and BMW Marque races each day. Track open from 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM each day.

Saturday, July 11 – Cocktails & Tailpipes at Fox Chapel Golf Club. A VIP reception with 2009 poster artist and Pittsburgher, Burton Morris, from 6:00 – 8:00pm with an cocktail party starting at 8:00 pm. As always, a unique car show is sure to occur on the front lawn. Open bar provided by Crown Royal.

Monday, July 13 – Invitational Car Show on Walnut Street Get a glimpse of rare and classic cars in Shadyside from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM.

Tuesday, July 14 – Car Cruise at the Waterfront in Historic Homestead from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM. Open to the public, there will be special display areas for BMWs and Volkswagens.

Wednesday, July 15 – Downtown Parade Lap & Car Display 75 race and show cars will thunder through downtown Pittsburgh on their way to car shows at USX Plaza, PPG Place and Market Square. From 10:30 AM until 2:00 PM.

Wednesday, July 15 – Tune-Up at Bossa Nova A Grand party on Seventh Street downtown. Featuring a vintage race car display in front of Bossa Nova on the street and a great party inside from 6:00-9:00 PM.

Saturday July 18 – Vintage Qualifying Races, Combined Car Show and British Car Day Entry is free for spectators at Schenley Park and activities run from 10:00am until 5:00pm. See 2,000 show cars including British Car Day, BMW Marque of the Year, Shop’n Save Hospitality Tent and dozens of sponsors on the Bob O’Connor Golf Course. Vintage races take place all day on the track.

Sunday, July 19 – Race Day Opening Ceremonies from 11:00am until noon includes a Patron Parade, Thunder Run motorcycle run, and dignitaries. Featured vintage races start at noon with the top three drivers being recognized in the Crown Royal Winners Circle at the start/finish line. On the golf course the combined car show and sponsor tents are open all day long. No admission – free to spectators.

For more information, visit www.pvgp.org.

[Source: PVGP]