The scenic course and winding curves of Schenley Park are once again the setting for the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix's (PVGP) Race Weekend, July 19-21. The PVGP is the nation's largest vintage street race and the only one staged on public roads. It’s considered by drivers to be the most challenging racecourse worldwide with its tight turns, elevation changes and natural obstacles like stone walls, curbs, manhole covers and telephone poles.
Race Weekend has lots of family-friendly, automotive-themed activities. Whether you’re a car enthusiast, a spectator or just curious to know more about the event, come and spend the weekend in this lush urban park. Experience the excitement of the races and the beauty of the landscape. See colorful, classic cars navigate the park’s bends. Cheer for your favorite car or driver. Grab a snack or a cool drink at Vendor Village, which has a view of the racetrack so you won’t miss any of the action. Here are some of the highlights.
Friday, July 19
Forbes Avenue of Speed – Parade and Driver Reception
6:30–8:30 pm
Forbes Avenue between Shady and Murray Avenues
Experience the sights, sounds and smells of the vintage race cars as they parade from the paddock at Schenley Park into Squirrel Hill and are displayed on Forbes Avenue between Shady and Murray Avenues. Meet the racers in person and get up close with the cars. The show is open to the public.
Saturday-Sunday, July 20-21
International Car Show
9:30 am-5 pm
Bob O’Connor Golf Course
Featuring 20 separate displays with more than 2,500 cars. The
show takes place at the, which is also the best place to watch the races. Free
for spectators, but donations are encouraged.
Saturday, July 20
British Car Day
9:30 a.m - 5 p.m.
Fourth and Sixth Fairways
A display of more than 500 of England’s best sport and luxury automobiles
sponsored by the Western Pennsylvania Triumph Association (WPTA).
Vintage Ride Experience
12-12:50 p.m.
Ride in one of the race cars! If you’ve always dreamed of sitting in a beautiful,
classic automobile, the PVGP can make that a reality. Experience a real lap in
an authentic vintage race car driven by a licensed vintage racer. The lap takes
about 5 minutes. First-come, first-serve basis. $40 donation. This is
definitely a bucket list experience!
Saturday-Sunday, July 20-21
Italian Cortile Car Show
9:30 a.m - 5 p.m.
18th Fairway
See the best of Italian design, with sports cars from Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Fiat, Lancia,
Lamborghini and Maserati. Be there when the Cortile Cup is awarded for best in
show and for each Italian Marque.
Sunday, July 21
Warm-up and Practice Laps
8:15 - 10:15 a.m.
Paradeand Opening Ceremony
11a.m. – 12 p.m.
Westinghouse Fountain, Schenley Drive
Laps by Shelby and Mustang Marque and Patron Parkers. The ceremony includes the
Presentation of the Color Guard and the National Anthem.
Vintage Races
12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Watch 150 vintage racers compete and take on Schenley Park’s serpentine curves. Cheer on your favorite cars to see who finishes first!
Parking
Public parking is available on Flagstaff Hill, across the street from Phipps
Conservatory. Free air-conditioned shuttle buses to the golf course and over to
the Start/Finish line.
The PVGP began in 1983 to raise funds to help provide residential care, treatment and support for autistic and intellectually and developmentally disabled individuals in the Pittsburgh region. Their two charities are the Pittsburgh Autism Society and Merakay Allegheny Valley School.
