Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix announces all Italian Cars as Marque of the year for 2008

We are pleased to announce all Italian Cars as Marque of the Year for the 26th Annual Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix in 2008.

AAM has been a longtime supporter of the PVGP and all of their charities. There is no event quite like the grand prix. While vintage racing is known all over the country. The first event like this that might come to your mind is the Monterey Historics at Laguna Seca. That is an excellent event, but it does not match the uniqueness of the PVGP or it's beautiful setting just outside the City of Pittsburgh in historic Schenley Park. Also the fact that the races are run on city streets that are open to the public 363 days a year through Schenley Park golf course.

Combined car shows are also part of the allure of the PVGP. Cars of all vintages from all over the world are parked right on the golf course and all have an excellent view of the racing action. Local clubs and national chapters put on the shows for their individual marques, and the entire course is marked for each country and then by marque. The organization is key. Each year more than 5,000 vehicles are entered in the combined car shows.

Each year the PVGP operating committee selects a unique brand as their marque of the year. Mercedes Benz held the honor for 2007. For 2008 all Italian Marques will be featured as Marque of the Year. So we expect to see some quality vehicles from all over the country in attendance. Brands like Ferrari, Lamborgini, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Maserati and many more.

The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix was started in 1983 and has grown from being a weekend race to being a 2 week long festival of cars. Starting with a kick off rally leading a mystery course around Pittsburgh, to the historic races at BeaveRun raceway the first week to invitational car shows, black tie events, charity concerts, Downtown Pittsburgh car show displays and car cruises. All leading up to the vintage weekend in Schenley Park. Since 1983, the PVGP has given all of the proceeds to charity. Yes ALL proceeds, all money from the car shows, vendors, racing fees, memorabilia sales, and donations are given to benefit the Autism Society of Pittsburgh and the Allegheny Valley School. So not only is the event an absolute blast for the car enthusiast, but it all goes to a worthy cause. For 2007, the PVGP raised $170,000 for charity. Since 1983 the PVGP has raised $2.25 Million dollars. Proceeds from the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix provide residential care, treatment and support for developmentally disabled individuals at the Autism Society of Pittsburgh and Allegheny Valley School.

Look for more announcements here, as well as full coverage of all PVGP events starting in July, 08.

Press Release:

On November 21, 2007 PVGP Executive Director Dan DelBianco was proud to announce that Bernie Martin will serve as the PVGP's Chairperson for Marque of the Year, stating " We are excited to have Bernie onboard. He is well connected in the racing and automotive industry and his enthusiasm for our event and our charities is only exceeded by his passion for Italian cars. We look forward to the 2008 Marque celebration to be one of the most unique of our 26 year lineage". So stay tuned in the next few weeks as new events and detailed information become available.

For more information on the Marque program or these events, please email our new Marque of the Year Chairperson Bernie Martin.

The Marque of the Year Car Show at Schenley Park on July 19/20 is open to any Italian car owner, all clubs welcome, any year car is eligible. Join us for one of the best Italian parties of the year.

$125 per car entitles you to:
- A parking spot on the fairway alongside the Marque of the Year Tent
- Italian style lunch for two on both Saturday and Sunday
- Complimentary dash plaque and race program
- Parade lap of the racetrack in our Marque of the Year Parade on Sunday at 10:30 AM
- Optional dinner on Saturday night at Start/Finish with drivers & volunteers - $25 per person
- Optional reception with the vintage drivers and their crews at Carnegie Museum on Friday, July 18.

Pittsburgh Vintaage Grand Prix sets record donation $170,000

The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, Presented by Shop ‘n Save, Takes a Victory Lap, Sets Record for the Third Consecutive Year

Pittsburgh, PA - 2007 was another exciting year for the Grand Prix and its two charities. Through sponsorship, merchandise sales, donations and driver entries the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, presented by Shop ‘n Save, set a new annual donation record of $170,000 - the largest single donation in its 25-year history. The funds will be split equally between the Autism Society of Pittsburgh and Allegheny Valley School. This now brings the Grand Prix’s total donations to $2,250,000 since 1983 and marks the third consecutive year that a new donation record was set.

The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Association’s President and Race Director Mike Connolly was thrilled with the donation as well as the support of all the volunteers when he addressed the gathering, “Setting another donation record for our charities is very special. 25 years ago we never imagined this little one day race would grow into the country’s largest vintage race event spanning 10 whole days. As I look around the room I see so many friends who have worked by my side all these years…thank you from the bottom of my heart. But I am also very encouraged by the newer faces who can take us through the next 25 years.”

The October 24th check presentation is called the “Victory Lap”, because it was a unique opportunity for everyone involved in this successful event to relax and enjoy the recognition. Presenting Sponsor Shop ‘n Save Vice President Lou Krebs summed it up best when he said “Shop ‘n Save is proud to present such a successful and long-standing event. The Grand Prix contributes so much in the communities served by our independent retailers.” Shop ‘n Save has been the presenting sponsor of the nation’s largest vintage race event since 2001.

(left to right) PVGP President & Race Director Mike Connolly, Lou Krebs of Shop ‘n Save, Allegheny Valley School Ambassador Brandon Fisher, Bill Lipsky of Shop ‘n Save, Autism Society Ambassador Anita Iyengar, Allegheny Valley School President & CEO Regis Champ.

Ambassadors representing each charity; Anita Iyengar - Autism Society of Pittsburgh and Brandon Fisher - Allegheny Valley School were on hand to receive the $170,000 check. Funds raised help provide residential care, treatment and support for developmentally disabled individuals in the Pittsburgh region.

Over 175 people attended the October 24th check presentation at the Wyndham Hotel in Oakland, including Grand Prix volunteers, sponsors and supporters.

The Grand Prix has developed into a 10-day motorsport event that now includes two weekends of racing, a blacktie gala, road rallye and numerous car shows. For more information visit the official website http://www.pvgp.org/.

Since 1983 The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix has raised over $2.25 million for The Autism Society of Pittsburgh and Allegheny Valley School. Proceeds from the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix provide residential care, treatment and support for developmentally disabled individuals at the Autism Society of Pittsburgh and Allegheny Valley School.

Source: Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix.