Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix makes record donation

30 years, two charities, 1200+ volunteers. What does that equal? Over $3.2 million dollars. That is what the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix has donated to the Autism Society of Pittsburgh and the Allegheny Valley School. Just last week was the annual Victory Lap Check Presentation at the Frick Museum in Pittsburgh (don't take photographs here). This year was a record setting donation to the charities. $250,000 or $125,000 each.

Since 1983, the PVGP has grown from a single day car show and race to a 10 day motorsport festival consisting of two vintage race weekends, car shows, cruises, parades, and parties. The event is entirely driven by over 1200+ volunteers, some of whom are pictured here. and all proceeds benefit the Autism Society of Pittsburgh and the Allegheny Valley School. Both of which help to provide residential care, treatment and support for developmentally disabled individuals in the Pittsburgh area.

The PVGP stands as one of the largest motorsport festivals in the nation, and the oldest continually run in the nation. It also stands apart as the racing is held entirely on public streets, bringing American sports car racing back to the way it used to be. “This event continues to amaze me” said Executive Director Dan DelBianco. He added, “To hold 10 days of events and turn a city park into a race circuit is a huge undertaking. There is no admission fee for spectators at the Schenley Park Race Weekend and the cost of staging the events is quite challenging so it is truly astounding that this event generates a quarter of a million dollars for local charities. Our success can be credited to the incredible support of our volunteers, sponsors and city officials coupled with the generosity of our racers and spectators. The Grand Prix now encompasses a dozen events spread over 10 days and nearly every single event is either sold out or near capacity.”

Source: Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix. 

Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix raises $200,000 for charity

Being a Pittsburgh based car guy and racing fan. I brag about the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix throughout the year. Not only do I show cars and participate in the events, but I also serve as a member of the Car Show Committee. Be it the car shows, the races, the fun of enjoying a nice weekend in the park, what ever fits your fancy, the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix has a little bit of everything. The best though is that ALL proceeds from the PVGP events benefit two awesome charities, the Autism Society of Pittsburgh and the Allegheny Valley School. This year, the PVGP set a new record, donating $200,000 to both charities at the recent "Victory Lap" check presentation ceremony. Representatives from the PVGP, event sponsors, car manufacturers, and participating car clubs were on hand at the Allegheny Valley School's campus for tours, a checkered flag waving and Terrible Towel wave (Myron Cope, inventor of the Terrible Towel sat on the board of AVS and the PVGP, and sales benefit AVS also). Each charity will benefit equally, receiving $100,000 each. This money will be used to provide residential care, treatment and support for developmentally disabled individuals in the Pittsburgh area.

Since 1983, the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix has raised over $2.95 million dollars for both charities, with no signs of stopping.

For more information on how you can donate to the PVGP, volunteer or find out about the 2012 event, please visit http://www.pittsburghvintagegrandprix.com

Charity Ambassadors representing each charity;  Anita Iyengar -Autism Society of Pittsburgh and Brandon Fisher - Allegheny Valley School were on hand to receive the $200,000 check. 

left to right: PVGP Showside Director Bob Speer, Shop 'n Save's Rich Haeflein, Autism Society's Dan Torisky and PVGP Race Director Rocky Farrar with the 2011 check for $200,000.

Pittsburgh's Most Valuable Bloger

We have made it through the nomination period and have now moved on to the voting stage. The contest picks blogs from six categories ranging from Dining/Entertainment, Sports, Lifestyle, Local Affairs, Health/Fitness & Everything Else. We are competing in the Everything Else category and are the only automotive oriented blog eligible for voting. So here's a run down of what Autobahn Automotive News is all about and why I would like your votes (you can vote once per day).

Autobahn Automotive News is based in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. I have been a life long car nut having a great passion for both cars and the auto industry as a whole. I have worked in the auto industry for 15 years holding a variety of positions at several well known dealerships in the Pittsburgh area. During the auto industry downturn, I became a freelance auto industry analyst and have continued to aid local dealers in regards to trends in the industry, marketing solutions and Internet marketing efforts. Autobahn Automotive News was born from some of these efforts and wanting to share some of my stories about cars, auto industry news, photos, event coverage, road tests and anything else I really fell like writing about that's related to cars.  Along with working in the auto industry, my passion goes deeper to the cars themselves. I have been privileged to drive some of the finest cars in the world. From Yugos to Aston Martins. I get excited looking at radiator mascots on pre war cars to the latest in designs from manufacturers all over the world, and everything in between.

While I have a great passion for everything automotive, my affinity is towards Volkswagen cars and their subsequent brands of Audi and Porsche. However, I also share a fondness for Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors and what made them the giants of the industry. I also have the honor of serving as a member of the car show committee for the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix association and as having held several positions on the board of the Three Rivers Volkswagen Club. So with Autobahn Automotive News, we don't really follow any rhyme or reason as to what we post about, but one thing's for sure. It will be automotive related in some form or another. Having contacts within just about every auto manufacturer, along with media access grants me access to industry news before many hear about. So look for exciting new posts to come!

Voting for the CBS Pittsburgh's Most Valuable Blogger contest runs through September 9th, 2011. You are allowed to vote once per day so please vote for this site as many times as you can. There is a badge to the left that will take you to the voting page. Thank you for your continued patronage.

Cadillac CTS-V Coupe wins big at Mid-Ohio

There's no denying the raw power of the Cadillac V series cars. So much so that Cadillac has been racing prepared CTS sedans for the last few years. With the launch of the CTS-V coupe, brought a perfect match for racing. Cadillac Racing's last victory came in 2007 and has since been plagued with issues that have kept them from reaching the podium. That changed last weekend when Johnny O'Connell brought the new CTS-V coupe in for the car's first victory at Mid-Ohio.

We had the opportunity to view this car up close at the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix last month and were very impressed with the efforts Cadillac Racing has gone to, to prepare the CTS-V for SCCA World Challenge series racing. Congrats to Cadillac Racing!

The 29th Annual Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix

Despite record heat in the upper 90 degree range most of the week. The 29th Annual Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix had another record year. This year, Porsche had the honor of Marque of the Year, and thanks to efforts from the Allegheny Region of the Porsche Club of America, had nearly 500 Porsches of all vintages come to Schenley Park. The ARPCA also celebrated a milestone in 2011. Celebrating 50 years as a club. Part of their efforts were having a Porsche from every year of their 50 years as a club from 1961, through to a new 2011 model. Also sharing honors this year were The Cars of Carol Shelby as Spotlight Feature. That display brought several unique vehicles including several genuine 289 and 427 Cobras, Vipers, Mustangs and even a GT40 continuation car built by Holman & Moody.

The racing action was awesome as usual. With 2011 being the first year of sanctioning by the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Association, several cars that would have otherwise been unable to compete under VSCCA guidelines were now allowed to race. The Schenley Park course is unique in all of it's 2.33 mile length as it is made up entirely of public roads that would otherwise be open to the public 360 days a year. The course features 22 turns and no less than 17 elevation changes and represents what racing used to be in the days before Road America and the air port tracks. This is how racing used to be. And unlike events like the Monterey Historics, it's on the street. Where else can you see vintage MGs, Porsches, Aston Martins, Datsuns, Minis, and more do battle like this?

Each year, the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix brings over 2000 cars of all vintages to the car show side which is held on the scenic Schenley Park Golf Course. Cars representing every corner of the globe and just about every make are on display. There are even a few new cars on display as many Pittsburgh area car dealer particpate as sponsors, including a few manufacturers such as Volkswagen, Audi, Suzuki, Mini and Ford. And what originally started as a two day event has grown in to a 10 day festival celebrating the automobile filled with two race weekends, a host of car shows, parades, parties, rallies, and track days. And what makes the event truly spectacular is that it is entirely run by volunteers, and ALL proceeds from the events, benefit charity. Since 1983, the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix has raised over $2.5 million dollars for the Allegheny Valley School and the Autism Society of Pittsbugh. The PVGP is a highly recommended event if you are in the Pittsburgh Area come mid July. The event can't be beat, and it's free to the public for spectators. And best of all, it supports a great cause.

Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix adds additional racing classes for 2011

The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix is an event that we support and have participated in every year since 1997. Every year continues to get bigger and better and 2011 with the 29th annual event is no exception. Big news is that sanctioning for the vintage races held at both Schenley Park and at BeaveRun raceway has been transferred from the Vintage Sports Car Club of America(VSCCA) to the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Association (PVGPA). This means that now the race classes will be expanded to cover cars made well into the 1970s and thusly, lowering costs to racers participating in the events by $50.

Also new for 2011 will be improvements to the Schenley Park race course. This is welcome news as 360 days a year the course serves as public roads around and through Schenley Park and the Schenly PArk Golf Course. This includes repaving and the addition of new timing equipment.

On the car show side of the event, Porsche will serve as the 2011 Marque of the Year and along with the Allegheny Region of the Porsche Club of America celebrating their 50th anniversary. They are planning for this to be one of the largest Porsche gatherings in the U.S.

The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix is unique in the world of vintage sports car racing in that all of the racing takes place on city streets, just like in the old days. Since 1983, the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix has raised over $2.5 million dollars for the benefit of the Allegheny Valley School and the Autism Society of Pittsburgh with 100% of the proceeds from the races and combined car shows going to charity.  And has grown from a weekend event to a 10 motorsports festival filled with car shows, races, parades, parties, and much more.

This year the PVGP is set for July 10th through the 24th with race weekend and the famed international car show taking place July 23rd and 24th. The full schedule is available at www.pittsburghvintagegrandprix.com

Press release:

Vintage Racers,

As the 2011 racing season draws nearer, we are very excited to welcome everyone to the 29^th renewal of the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix. Plans are underway and we anticipate another outstanding event at Schenley Park.

The best news is that Schenley Park will be less expensive in 2011. For those participants who enter early, the entry fee will be reduced by $50. In addition, there will be an option for the entry of a second car at nearly half price. Other benefits are available for those who want to enter both the Schenley Park and the BeaveRun races together.

The PVGP continues to encourage sponsorship of cars. Sponsorship funds directly benefit children and adults throughout Pennsylvania with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities through the Autism Society of Pittsburgh and Allegheny Valley School. We anticipate continuing a car sponsorship program for 2011 with many benefits for both the sponsors and drivers.

We are going to continue the traditional large PVGP tent at the head of the paddock. It will be the site for the Friday night Happy Hour get-together and the Saturday night driver/volunteer dinner. Plans are underway to expand and upgrade the menu for the Saturday night dinner. As in the past, we will hold all driver meetings at this location and it will remain open during the event for dining and other functions.

Based on comments from prior participants, there will be changes in the dining arrangements. A continental breakfast will be provided on Saturday and Sunday mornings and is included with your entry. In addition, there will be several food vendors offering a wide variety of lunch items at reasonable prices. We hope that this will provide more flexibility and convenience for participants who make their own dining arrangements.

Improvements to the race course include repaving the start/finish straight as well as a permanent transponder line. If you have a transponder, you will be timed. Rentals will be available but limited. It is recommended that participants have their own transponder. As has been the case over the past several years, we are continuing to expand the eligibility in each of the groups to accommodate more cars. Rest assured that we are not going to open up eligibility to those cars that do not fit the unique course that is Schenley Park. We will not compromise safety for the cars, drivers or the spectators. All participants at Schenley are strongly encouraged to take notice of the PVGP Driver Policy as excessive exuberance or unsafe driving will not be tolerated.

Porsche will be the featured marque for 2011 and it is expected to draw a large number of participants in the marque race as well as a large representation on the show field. In addition, if participants wish to paddock together, we strongly encourage that they send the PVGP their space requirements. We are anticipating a large entry this year and paddock parking is expected to be very tight.

As Competition Director this year, I look forward to maintaining the tradition and uniqueness of the only city street road race in the country. I have been working in many capacities at the PVGP since its inception in 1983 and expect that the 2011 event will continue to provide all of the fun for participants and spectators that it has in the past. All of the PVGP team, including, Jim “Rocky” Farrar, Race Director, Mike Connolly, Assistant Race Director, Donna McDonough, Chief Registrar and all the other outstanding volunteers welcome and offer you the opportunity to enjoy and participate in the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, recognized worldwide as a premier vintage racing event, through the spectacular Schenley Park in Pittsburgh.

Please join us in making the 29th running of the PVGP the very best ever.

Richard Barnes – PVGP Schenley Park Competition Director 412-767-8611
Jim “Rocky” Farrar - PVGP Race Director
Mike Connolly - PVGP Assistant Race Director

Positive Camber

No one can deny the 1927 Bugatti type 37 as one of the greatest grand prix racers of the early 20th century.

And you thought American La France only made fire trucks

Here's an interesting story from our friends over at Hemmings Motor News. So you thought that American La France only built fire trucks? Think again. Between the years of 1907 and 1914 ALF actually did build speedsters for consumers to buy. These of course being speedsters on a grand scale, as they used the traditional frames and engines from their fire truck counter parts which were heavy duty to say the least. It's not clear how many were built, but they are definitely few and far between. We recently came across a 1914 model at a recent car show for the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix this past July. As you can see from the Porsche 356 parked next to it, there's nothing small about this speedster.

(link via Hemmings)

Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix announces all Italian Cars as Marque of the year for 2008

We are pleased to announce all Italian Cars as Marque of the Year for the 26th Annual Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix in 2008.

AAM has been a longtime supporter of the PVGP and all of their charities. There is no event quite like the grand prix. While vintage racing is known all over the country. The first event like this that might come to your mind is the Monterey Historics at Laguna Seca. That is an excellent event, but it does not match the uniqueness of the PVGP or it's beautiful setting just outside the City of Pittsburgh in historic Schenley Park. Also the fact that the races are run on city streets that are open to the public 363 days a year through Schenley Park golf course.

Combined car shows are also part of the allure of the PVGP. Cars of all vintages from all over the world are parked right on the golf course and all have an excellent view of the racing action. Local clubs and national chapters put on the shows for their individual marques, and the entire course is marked for each country and then by marque. The organization is key. Each year more than 5,000 vehicles are entered in the combined car shows.

Each year the PVGP operating committee selects a unique brand as their marque of the year. Mercedes Benz held the honor for 2007. For 2008 all Italian Marques will be featured as Marque of the Year. So we expect to see some quality vehicles from all over the country in attendance. Brands like Ferrari, Lamborgini, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Maserati and many more.

The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix was started in 1983 and has grown from being a weekend race to being a 2 week long festival of cars. Starting with a kick off rally leading a mystery course around Pittsburgh, to the historic races at BeaveRun raceway the first week to invitational car shows, black tie events, charity concerts, Downtown Pittsburgh car show displays and car cruises. All leading up to the vintage weekend in Schenley Park. Since 1983, the PVGP has given all of the proceeds to charity. Yes ALL proceeds, all money from the car shows, vendors, racing fees, memorabilia sales, and donations are given to benefit the Autism Society of Pittsburgh and the Allegheny Valley School. So not only is the event an absolute blast for the car enthusiast, but it all goes to a worthy cause. For 2007, the PVGP raised $170,000 for charity. Since 1983 the PVGP has raised $2.25 Million dollars. Proceeds from the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix provide residential care, treatment and support for developmentally disabled individuals at the Autism Society of Pittsburgh and Allegheny Valley School.

Look for more announcements here, as well as full coverage of all PVGP events starting in July, 08.

Press Release:

On November 21, 2007 PVGP Executive Director Dan DelBianco was proud to announce that Bernie Martin will serve as the PVGP's Chairperson for Marque of the Year, stating " We are excited to have Bernie onboard. He is well connected in the racing and automotive industry and his enthusiasm for our event and our charities is only exceeded by his passion for Italian cars. We look forward to the 2008 Marque celebration to be one of the most unique of our 26 year lineage". So stay tuned in the next few weeks as new events and detailed information become available.

For more information on the Marque program or these events, please email our new Marque of the Year Chairperson Bernie Martin.

The Marque of the Year Car Show at Schenley Park on July 19/20 is open to any Italian car owner, all clubs welcome, any year car is eligible. Join us for one of the best Italian parties of the year.

$125 per car entitles you to:
- A parking spot on the fairway alongside the Marque of the Year Tent
- Italian style lunch for two on both Saturday and Sunday
- Complimentary dash plaque and race program
- Parade lap of the racetrack in our Marque of the Year Parade on Sunday at 10:30 AM
- Optional dinner on Saturday night at Start/Finish with drivers & volunteers - $25 per person
- Optional reception with the vintage drivers and their crews at Carnegie Museum on Friday, July 18.

Pittsburgh Vintaage Grand Prix sets record donation $170,000

The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, Presented by Shop ‘n Save, Takes a Victory Lap, Sets Record for the Third Consecutive Year

Pittsburgh, PA - 2007 was another exciting year for the Grand Prix and its two charities. Through sponsorship, merchandise sales, donations and driver entries the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, presented by Shop ‘n Save, set a new annual donation record of $170,000 - the largest single donation in its 25-year history. The funds will be split equally between the Autism Society of Pittsburgh and Allegheny Valley School. This now brings the Grand Prix’s total donations to $2,250,000 since 1983 and marks the third consecutive year that a new donation record was set.

The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Association’s President and Race Director Mike Connolly was thrilled with the donation as well as the support of all the volunteers when he addressed the gathering, “Setting another donation record for our charities is very special. 25 years ago we never imagined this little one day race would grow into the country’s largest vintage race event spanning 10 whole days. As I look around the room I see so many friends who have worked by my side all these years…thank you from the bottom of my heart. But I am also very encouraged by the newer faces who can take us through the next 25 years.”

The October 24th check presentation is called the “Victory Lap”, because it was a unique opportunity for everyone involved in this successful event to relax and enjoy the recognition. Presenting Sponsor Shop ‘n Save Vice President Lou Krebs summed it up best when he said “Shop ‘n Save is proud to present such a successful and long-standing event. The Grand Prix contributes so much in the communities served by our independent retailers.” Shop ‘n Save has been the presenting sponsor of the nation’s largest vintage race event since 2001.

(left to right) PVGP President & Race Director Mike Connolly, Lou Krebs of Shop ‘n Save, Allegheny Valley School Ambassador Brandon Fisher, Bill Lipsky of Shop ‘n Save, Autism Society Ambassador Anita Iyengar, Allegheny Valley School President & CEO Regis Champ.

Ambassadors representing each charity; Anita Iyengar - Autism Society of Pittsburgh and Brandon Fisher - Allegheny Valley School were on hand to receive the $170,000 check. Funds raised help provide residential care, treatment and support for developmentally disabled individuals in the Pittsburgh region.

Over 175 people attended the October 24th check presentation at the Wyndham Hotel in Oakland, including Grand Prix volunteers, sponsors and supporters.

The Grand Prix has developed into a 10-day motorsport event that now includes two weekends of racing, a blacktie gala, road rallye and numerous car shows. For more information visit the official website http://www.pvgp.org/.

Since 1983 The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix has raised over $2.25 million for The Autism Society of Pittsburgh and Allegheny Valley School. Proceeds from the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix provide residential care, treatment and support for developmentally disabled individuals at the Autism Society of Pittsburgh and Allegheny Valley School.

Source: Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix.