Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix 2009

One of the nation's premiere vintage racing events, the annual Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix is our nation's only vintage race held on city streets. The fun, ten-day festival features vintage car shows, vintage car races, a car cruise, concerts and charity events, and attracts more than 250,000 spectators. On race weekend at Schenley Park, over 175 race cars – some dating back to the 1930s - mix it up on vintage racing’s most challenging circuit.

When:

July 11-19, 2009
Race Weekend @ Schenley Park: July 18-19, 2009

Where:

Schenley Park and other locations around Pittsburgh

Admission:

Most events, including the vintage car races in Schenley Park, are FREE!

2009 Vintage Grand Prix Race Week Schedule:

Kick Off Rally
Sunday July 5, first car off at noon
Test your driving and navigational skills against a mystery road rallye course starting on South Craig Street in Oakland.PVGP Historic Races at BeaveRun
Weekend July 11-12, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
The fifth annual PVGP Historic Races present a variety of vintage (pre 1960) and historic (after 1960) racing, including the legendary American muscle cars of the 60's and 70's, along with related activities at BeaveRun MotorSports Complex in Beaver Falls, PA.

"Cocktails & Tailpipes" Gala
Saturday July 11, 6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Blacktie is gone for 2009, replaced by a cocktail party format at the beautiful Fox Chapel Golf Club. The event remains a special evening with dancing, cocktails and a car show covering the front lawn.

Invitational Car Show on Walnut Street
Monday July 13, 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Get a glimpse of rare, classic and exotic cars on Shadyside's charming Walnut Street. Show cars by invitation, free to spectators.

Car Cruise at the Waterfront
Tuesday July 14, 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Head to the Waterfront in Homestead and see even more cars (over 500!) of all marques. Donations are requested for the Vintage Grand Prix charities: the Autism Society of Pittsburgh and Allegheny Valley School. A free gift will be given away for each donation.

Downtown Parade & Car Display
Wednesday July 15, 10:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
50 race and show cars will stage on General Robinson Street near Heinz Field before they thunder through downtown Pittsburgh on their way to car shows at US Steel Building Plaza, PPG Place, Market Square and Point State Park. Plus, the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Tune-Up at Bossa Nova from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. with a Happy Hour, appetizers and a display of race cars.

Schenley Park Race Weekend:

Saturday, July 18

Schenley Park Combined Car Show & British Car Day 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
See 2,000 classic, antique, and exotic show cars including British, American, German, Japanese, and Italian. Be sure to catch the Mercedes-Benz Marque of the Year display as well as a vendor's village and Sunoco Vintage Rides at noon. All events are free at Schenley Park.

Vintage Race Practice & Qualifying Heats 8:15 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
The actual races aren't until Sunday, but don't tell the racers. Some of the best driving occurs in the afternoon qualifying heats. A driver's best single lap time sets them up in the starting grid for Sunday's races.

Sunday, July 19

Race Car Practice 8:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

Opening Ceremonies 11:00 a.m. - 11:50 noon
Marque of the Year takes a parade lap of the track, joined by Patron Parkers, Thunder Run Motorcycles our Grand Marshal, Presenting Sponsor Shop 'n Save and local government officials.

Vintage Racing Noon - 4:00 p.m.
Watch (for free!) six groups of racers compete to enter the Crown Royal Winner's Circle. Over 150 vintage sports racers form the 1930's through the 1950's will compete on the streets of Schenley Park. Including classics such as Bugatti, Alfa Romeo, Aston-Martin, Turner, Bandini, MG, Porsche, Austin-Healey, Jaguar, Allard and Lotus. Plus, combined car show and sponsor tents all day long. No admission - free to spectators.