The Roar of History: Vintage Indy™ Ignites the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix

by Bernard Martin

#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:
​A Year of Celebration

The 2024 schedule for Vintage Indy is as ambitious as it is exciting, featuring stops at four other major events, including collaborations with IndyCar® races. The tour kicks off in Southern California at the Grand Prix of Long Beach, followed by a showcase at Road America's IndyCar weekend in Wisconsin, before joining the PVGP in August and concluding at the M1 Concourse in Michigan for the American Speed Festival.

Each event offers a unique backdrop for these historic machines, inviting fans across the nation to partake in the celebration of IndyCar's storied past. As the engines roar to life and the cars take to the track, it's a reminder of the enduring allure of motorsports and the legacy that continues to inspire and excite.
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As Pittsburgh gears up for this summer's Vintage Indy showcase, the city is not just hosting an event; it's becoming part of a living history, one that continues to captivate the hearts of racing fans around the world.