In a momentous celebration of automotive passion and excellence, the
Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix proudly announces Bill Warner as its
distinguished choice for Grand Marshal of the 2024 Pittsburgh Vintage
Grand Prix Motorsport Festival..
Bill Warner brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and contagious enthusiasm for all things automotive. His presence promises to elevate the event, already steeped in tradition and passion. Join us as we honor Bill and his remarkable contributions on the August 3-4 at Schenley Park —a weekend filled with thrilling races, classic cars, and the enduring spirit of one of Jacksonville’s automotive icons.
Automotive Enthusiast from the Start
Born in 1943 and hailing from Jacksonville, Florida, Warner’s journey
reads like a novel, intertwining engineering, journalism, racing, and
philanthropy. From a young age, Warner immersed himself in the world of
automobiles, beginning as a teenager working at a local Volkswagen
dealership. His love for racing was kindled during weekends working as a
“gopher” for the dealership’s racing team. After earning a Bachelor of
Science in Electrical Engineering from The Citadel in 1966, he ventured
into the family filter business while contributing to renowned
automotive publications like Sports Car Graphic Magazine. His lasting
relationship with Road & Track Magazine, established in 1971,
further solidified his place in the automotive world.
Warner’s racing exploits are nothing short of remarkable. In 1975, he made history by finishing 14th in the Cannonball Baker Sea-to-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash and later clinched 26th place in the inaugural Cannonball One Lap of America. His racing career, spanning from the SCCA to IMSA, boasts top-five finishes at Watkins Glen, a triumph at Mid-Ohio, and a victory in the Escort Series.
A Collector’s Passion
Beyond the racetrack, Warner is a devoted collector and restorer of
unique automobiles. His collection includes automotive gems such as a
1958 Cadillac El Dorado Brougham, a 1972 Ferrari 365GTB/4 “Daytona,” and
a 1932 Ford High Boy Roadster. He has restored and raced the ex-Denny
Hulme Brabham BT8, the Shelby Lang Cooper and the Group 44 TR6 (right)
which is an ex-Paul Newman and Group 44 two-time National Champion car.
Contributing to the Community
In 1996, Warner founded The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, raising
over $3.7 million for charitable causes. Warner’s contributions have
received widespread recognition, from Meguiar’s Automobile Hobby Person
of the Year to the Nicola Bulgari Award for contributions to automotive
history. In 2021, he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at
the Historic Motoring Awards ceremony in London.
Continued Pursuit of Excellence
In 2022, Warner assumed the role of Chief Steward of the Rolex Historic
Races, showcasing his dedication to preserving automotive history. His
latest book, The Other Side of the Fence: Six Decades of Motorsport
Photography and an Emmy-winning television special underscore his
enduring passion for motorsport.
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