 The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix (PVGP) is revving up excitement with the announcement of its "Evening of Speed" scheduled for Friday, August 2, 2024. This exclusive event marks a vibrant prelude to the weekend's racing festivities, drawing together PVGP race drivers, their crews, VIPs, and a select number of ticketed guests. The PVGP Driver Reception, traditionally held at Orr's Jewelry Store on Forbes Avenue, will transition to the elegant Frick Fine Arts Building on the University of Pittsburgh campus. With limited tickets available at $85 each, this event offers a rare opportunity to mingle with racers and enthusiasts in a historic setting. The day begins at 4:00 PM with the iconic GT40 race car taking pride of place on the Frick's front lawn, highlighting the same location where the Grand Prix hosted its inaugural car show in 1984. By 4:30 PM, Flagstaff Hill's gates will open for parking, setting the stage for a 5:00 PM parade of drivers and their vintage machines. This parade will begin at the PVGP paddock, winding around the track, over the Panther Hollow Bridge, and finishing at the Frick Fine Arts Building, weaving a path past the Ragtime Racers and Vintage Indy Displays in front of Phipps Conservatory. From 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Phipps becomes the center for interaction, hosting a meet and greet with the Ragtime Racers and Vintage Indy participants. The Frick Fine Arts Building, a landmark since its 1965 opening and dedicated to the memory of Henry Clay Frick by his daughter Helen Clay Frick, will offer guests a chance to enjoy its art and architectural marvels, including replicas of Florentine Renaissance artworks. The event will feature a 5:30 PM interview session in the Schenley Plaza Tent with University Formula SAE team students, including Panther Racing, Carnegie Mellon Racing, and Penn State's Nittany Racing. They will discuss their cutting-edge developments in EV-powered race cars alongside noted automotive engineers and designers Kip Wasenko and Brian Willis. (more details below) The highlight of the evening, the "Legends of Schenley" Awards Presentation, is set for 6:00 PM, followed by remarks from this year's Grand Marshal, Bill Warner. A strolling dinner commences at 6:15 PM, allowing guests to relax and engage further in this unique setting. Bill Warner will captivate the audience again at 7:00 PM with his talk on "Motorsports Photography Then and Now," appealing especially to photography aficionados and social media enthusiasts. The vintage race cars will make their return to the paddock by 8:30 PM, ensuring they are securely in place before sunset. The "Evening of Speed" is more than an event; it's a celebration of automotive history, innovation, and the enduring spirit of the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, promising an unforgettable start to "The Vintage" weekend of vintage racing and car shows at Schenley Park. Evening of Speed Itinerary
About Bill Warner Bill Warner is a distinguished figure in the automotive world, renowned for his deep-rooted passion and significant contributions to car culture. As the founder of the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance, one of the most prestigious car shows in the United States, Warner has established himself as a prominent advocate for automotive history and preservation. His expertise extends beyond organizing elite automotive events; he is also a respected automotive photographer and journalist, whose work has graced the pages of major publications and captivated audiences worldwide. With a career spanning several decades, Warner has developed an extensive network within the automotive industry, from collectors and restorers to designers and racers. His knowledge of automotive history is profound, and his personal collection includes some of the rarest and most unique vehicles. Warner's contributions to the automotive community have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades, reflecting his influence and commitment to the celebration of automotive heritage. In 2024, Bill Warner will serve as the Grand Marshal for the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix (PVGP), an honor that acknowledges his lifelong dedication to the automotive industry. His role at the PVGP will not only highlight his storied career but also underscore his ongoing influence in shaping automotive culture and enthusiasm. Warner's presence as Grand Marshal is expected to bring a unique depth of knowledge and passion to the event, making it a memorable experience for participants and spectators alike About Kip WasenkoKip Wasneko has made a remarkable impact as the Head of Design at General Motors, especially noted for his significant achievements in revitalizing the Cadillac brand. One of his most notable contributions was leading the design team that introduced the acclaimed Cadillac V-Series, a lineup that successfully fused luxury with high performance, catering to a new era of automotive enthusiasts. This series not only enhanced Cadillac's market presence but also redefined its identity as a competitor in luxury performance vehicles. Wasneko's leadership was crucial in the development of groundbreaking design concepts that pushed the boundaries of innovation and sustainability within the automotive industry. Under his direction, the team unveiled the Cadillac Lyriq, an all-electric SUV that marked Cadillac’s ambitious step towards electrification, showcasing his commitment to forward-thinking automotive solutions. Furthermore, Wasneko played a pivotal role in Cadillac's return to racing, overseeing the design and development of the Cadillac DPi-V.R race car. This vehicle made a significant mark in endurance racing, participating in prestigious races like the 24 Hours of Daytona. This move not only highlighted Cadillac's engineering capabilities but also its resurgence as a symbol of American ingenuity and competitive spirit in the racing world. These milestones under Wasneko's guidance have not only solidified GM's standing in the global automotive industry but also reinstated Cadillac as a beacon of luxury, innovation, and performance. About Brian WillisBrian Dean Willis is a prominent figure in the automotive and aerospace engineering sectors, currently serving as the Owner, CEO, and Chief Engineer at Leap Racing in Suwanee, Georgia. His company specializes in a variety of engineering design and development tasks, including aerodynamics for sports prototypes, race car development, and the design of limited production street cars. With a background rich in high-level engineering projects, Willis has made substantial contributions across multiple disciplines, from aerospace to automotive. Before founding Leap Racing, Willis was the Vice President of Engineering at Panoz Cars, Elan Technologies, and DeltaWing Technologies Group, where he directed the engineering efforts across various divisions and spearheaded the design of an all-electric race car for the Le Mans-Garage 56 initiative. His leadership in this role was marked by his oversight of significant projects, including the design of several electric vehicles and advanced racing cars. Willis’s expertise in vehicle dynamics and aerodynamics was further honed during his tenure as Director of Technical Services at Multimatic Inc., where he was the Chief Designer for the 2016 Ford GT that won its category at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. His career also includes impactful roles in racing teams and engineering firms like Team Goh Racing, where he contributed to a Le Mans victory, and Williams Grand Prix Engineering, where he helped design a Le Mans winning LMP prototype sports racing car. With educational credentials that include Master’s degrees in Mechanical and Composites Engineering from MIT and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from Texas A&M University, Willis’s profound technical knowledge and innovative approach have been instrumental in driving advancements in both racing performance and vehicle design. His career is marked by a commitment to pushing the boundaries of engineering to achieve superior performance and efficiency in high-stakes environments. editors note: The planning and logisitics of this event where completed by Bernie!
0 Comments
by Bernard Martin www.linkedin.com/in/bernardmartin/  “At the end of 1967, things looked a little bleak. I got a call from David York who worked for John Wyer (left) at the Gulf team, and asked me if I would drive the GT40 in 1968 and 1969. Obviously, I said, ‘absolutely.’ I mean, that was my first real proper factory drive. And I had already been driving now for 10 years because I started in 1959. His rationale for asking me was, if you are good enough to drive for John Surtees, you are probably good enough to drive for us.” ~ David Hobbs This July, the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix (PVGP) will not only celebrate the 60th anniversary of the iconic Ford GT40—a car that has left an indelible mark on motorsport. Adding to the event, renowned racer and broadcaster David Hobbs will join as the Honorary Race Director and Master of Ceremonies at the GT40 reunion, set to take place from July 25-28 at the Pittsburgh International Race Complex. A Veteran Racer at the Helm David Hobbs has competed across a spectrum of motorsport disciplines including Formula 1, IndyCar, and NASCAR, to name a few.
Hobb's racing career includes competing in Formula One for BRM, Honda, and McLaren. He also achieved significant victories in other motorsports disciplines. He raced the Ford GT40 which is why he was selected as the Master of Ceremonies for this 60th Anniversary celebration. He has also campaigned in the Ferrari 512M, Porsche 917s and 956/962s. He competed in IMSA Camel GT for BMW, finished fifth in the Indy 500 for McLaren, won championships in Formula 5000 and Trans Am, and led the Daytona 500 in NASCAR. He is most closely associated with the Le Mans 24 Hours, where he raced 20 times.
 A Gathering of Auto Aficionados Under Hobbs’ stewardship, the reunion is expected to draw crowds from all corners of the automotive community. Rick Muck, Managing Director of AutoventureUSA and organizer of the GT40 Reunion, notes that the event is “a celebration of the GT40’s significant heritage and its impact on motorsports.” The involvement of companies like Superformance and Safir GT40 highlights the ongoing allure of the GT40, ensuring that its story is told through engaging narratives and shared experiences of owners and racers. More Than Just Racing
The PVGP Historics "week" is packed with activities that extend beyond the racetrack. Starting with the Kick-Off Rallye and followed by a variety of events including the Walnut Street Invitational Car Show and the Blacktie & Tailpipes Gala, the festival offers something for every car enthusiast. NEW PVGP Events added for 2024! The race week includes two new events that are just being announced for 2024, starting with the "Grand Prix Garden Party" at Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Garden and an "Evening of Speed" to be held at the Frick Fine Arts Museum on the Pitt Campus, ensuring that the celebration of automotive culture remains at full throttle throughout after the Historic races conclude at Pittsburgh International Race Complex. More detailed information with be coming soon about these new events!  #7 1932 Brightwood Airport Special B-Block Miller Sumner Red Oliver owned by Mike Lynn of Greenwood IN. Photo by Brian Hart Pittsburgh, PA – This summer, the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix (#PVGP) is set to showcase a breathtaking display of racing heritage as Vintage Indy™ returns to Schenley Park, bringing with it the thunderous echoes of the Indianapolis 500's past. In a setting as picturesque as it is historic, indy race cars will once again grace the streets, offering fans the ability to see first hand cars that made motor racing history. Established in 2017, Vintage Indy is a showcase spanning a timeline from 1911 to 2004. The organization's mission is to ensure that these rolling pieces of history are not only preserved, but celebrated, allowing future generations to marvel at their period designs and engineering. This year's event promises an even more immersive experience for fans. The paddock, located near the serene backdrop of Phipps Conservatory, provides a unique opportunity for enthusiasts to get up close and personal with the cars, drivers, and the skilled mechanics who keep these legends roaring to life. Michael Lashmett, President of Vintage Indy, couldn't hide his enthusiasm for the event's return to Pittsburgh. "The PVGP volunteers, the setting in Schenley Park, and the welcoming arms of Pittsburgh itself elevate this to a world-class event," he remarked. Among the historic lineup, two cars stand out: the 1972 Patrick Racing STP Eagle Offy, known for its striking dayglo red livery, and the 1991 Surfers Paradise Australia race-winning Pennzoil Lola, famously driven by the late John Andretti. These cars not only represent technological innovations of their day, but also the spirit and passion that fuel the world of IndyCar racing today. With the slogan "Driving Indy Past into the Present," Vintage Indy aims to bridge generations, bringing the stories and achievements of yesteryear into today's context. This exhibition is a celebration of the legacy that has shaped motorsports. The excitement is palpable among Pittsburgh's racing community, still buzzing from the event three years prior. The opportunity to witness these historic cars navigate the challenging streets of Schenley Park, with its tight stone-walled turns and iconic Panther Hollow Bridge, is a rare and thrilling prospect. The event also offers a nod to racing royalty, with past appearances by legends like Al Unser Jr and Pittsburgh's own Chip Ganassi, hinting at more surprises for this summer's edition. Vintage Indy 2024: |
Stories
Some of the stories, pictures and articles that we have been included in over the years. Archive
June 2024
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed