Since 1983, the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix has been bringing automotive and racing history to life in the city of Pittsburgh, with one large goal. To create a world class event and help those with Autism and other developmental disabilities.
2024 saw a big change for the event. Moving from it's traditional time slot in during the last days of July, to an early August slot. This proved no match for the racers and car show attendees who came out in record numbers to support the charities.
With Mini as the features marque and a special feature hosting the Ford GT 40 Reunion, saw countless numbers of both on hand for the 10 motorsport festival.
In early December, the PVGP hosts their annual Checkered Flag Ceremony. It's an opportunity for the volunteers, sponsors and the charities to come together for an evening of fun and to unveil the donation to Autism Pittsburgh and the Mearkey Allegheny Valley School.
‘It was wonderful to see so many residents and staff from our charity partners present last night. To hear their gratitude and excitement directly from the residents drives home that we all do this for charity.’ said Dan DelBianco, PVGP Executive Director.
On behalf of Merakey Allegheny Valley School, Senior Executive Director Roni Erath expressed her ‘heartfelt gratitude to the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Association and its community for their unwavering support throughout the year. Your incredible generosity has made a lasting impact on the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and autism. Your dedication to this exceptional event shines a spotlight on Pittsburgh and provides crucial assistance to those in need.’
Jesse Torisky, CEO of Autism-Pittsburgh, stated, ‘Since its foundation over four decades ago, Autism Pittsburgh has been honored to be a part of the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix. Throughout the years, the artfully mastered car shows, the checkered flags, and the winding streets of Schenley Park, it has been a privilege to see this motorsport festival grow. From its inception, partnering with passionate car enthusiasts and community advocates in 1983, we are humbled to have shared the over $7 million raised with Merakey/Allegheny Valley School. These funds help an immense number of members in our community, providing those on the autism spectrum and with disabilities the highest quality of life, resources, support, empowerment, and advocacy. This is not only our largest fundraiser but also one we especially look forward to every year. Coming together every year and seeing faces, new and old, shows that the Grand Prix has become a testament to the power of community and shared purpose, celebrating beautiful cars, life-changing compassion, and the collective drive (literally) to make a difference.’
And that's only the beginning, the future is bright for the PVGP as it moves in to its 43rd year. PVGP Chairman James Dolan was on hand to unveil the check and spoke to the exciting future of the PVGP, ‘this was another great year for the PVGP. We hosted the 60th GT40 Reunion, Historic Stock Cars at the Historics at Pitt Race, Vintage Indy and the colorful Ragtime Racers in Schenley Park. This year marked a new evening event at the beautiful Phipps Conservatory adjoining the Schenley Park race course. The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix was nominated at the International Historic Motoring Awards in London as the Motorsport Event of the Year. This is the most prestigious global award in the motorsport and collector car world, celebrating the achievements of people and organizations worldwide. We are honored to be recognized in the company of so many distinguished international motorsport events. The real honor belongs to our volunteers, whose tireless efforts make this a unique motorsports event. We look forward to winning this coveted award one day as we continue to enhance and expand the PVGP.”
2025 is shaping up to be another fantastic year for the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, and we can't wait to see who will be marque of the year!
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