David Hobbs Named Honorary Race Director at Pittsburgh Grand Prix Historic Races: Master of Ceremonies to Honor 60 Years of Ford GT40

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.

 In a 31-year driving career, David Hobbs raced in almost every imaginable category: endurance sports racers, touring cars, Formula 1, Formula 5000, Indycars, IMSA, Trans-Am, Can-Am and even NASCAR.

As a former GT40 racer, he will be right at home this July in Pittsburgh, where there is going to plenty of GT40 history on display and on the track!

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.
​

GT40: A Legacy on Display
The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Historic Races event promises to be a thrilling showcase of the GT40's evolution, from its origins in 1964 to the latest Ford GT models up to 2024. Enthusiasts will have the opportunity to see these legendary vehicles up close, from the original GT40 Mk I and Mk II to the Mk IV and the contemporary Ford GT variants. The weekend will feature track sessions, a special GT40 Featured Race, and charity rides, offering a full immersion into the world of this historic race car.
​

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!