Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Gears Up for 40th Year

This weekend kicks off the 40th year of the Pittsburgh Grand Prix — the country’s largest vintage race event, and the only one that runs through city streets.

This event spans across two weekends — 10 days in all — starting with the Historics at Pittsburgh International Race Complex.

Pitt Race — home of the Historics on July 15— is a 2.8-mile purpose-built track that’s just 40 miles outside of Pittsburgh proper, which makes it a perfect location to kick off the festivities. Porsche is the event’s Marque of the Year, and the Historics will run several all-Porsche classes, in addition to a variety of other vintage racing groups.

The second weekend features vintage racing on the streets of Schenley Park on July 23 and 24. Racing takes place on a 2.3-mile road coarse in front of 100,000 fans and 3,000 show cars.

The Schenley Park Race Weekend is the signature event of the week — a throwback to the sports car road racing of the 1940s and 1950s. The races start at 8:30 am each day and run through 5 pm — and this setup is no walk in the park, with 22 turns, 11 elevation changes, and plenty of poles, stone wall sections and manhole covers to challenge even the most seasoned vintage race driver.

While the racing is taking place, the PVGP weekend will also be hosting a car show on the grounds of the nearby Bob O’Connor Golf Course — a perfect location to watch both the racing and to see the wide range of show cars planned for display.

The week between these two events is filled with activities, from galas and car shows and displays to touring, parties, and parades — with all net proceeds going to charity.

Learn more here.