Hitting the Redline

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•Dec 12, 2017

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Brad Kolesar
22 subscribersBy Brad Kolesar Hitting the Redline is a documentary about the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix. The Grand Prix is a ten-day celebration that pays tribute to the world of vintage cars and vintage motorsports racing. The event includes various car parades and show, driving tours, receptions, and vintage car racing.

One of the racing weeks in historic Schenley Park is the only vintage car race that occurs on public streets. Even though the event evolves around vintage cars, there is a bigger picture here at the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix.

All of the proceeds from the event provide funding for the Autism Society of Pittsburgh and Allegheny Valley School, which helps kids with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Pittsburgh region. The Pittsburgh Grand Prix has raised over 4.75 million dollars over the past 30 years.

 

Legends of Schenley Park

The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix is grateful to all the drivers and we truly appreciate when they return to race with us year after year. They make our Schenley Park races the special event what it has become today. To acknowledge their contributions we have created the “Legends of Schenley Park” – honoring racers that have competed with us for 15 or more years.

All qualified drivers are presented with a commemorative patch. To date, a total of 36 drivers have been recognized and award embroidered race suit patches and a special gift. Five active racers are eligible to qualify this year: Fred Aibel, John Aibel, Daren Mann, Joe Parlanti and Nate Scigliano. Bob Duell will move into the top spot with 35 races when he competes this year! All will be recognized during the Driver’s Meeting in Schenley Park on Friday, July 19 at 5:30 pm.

 

General Info & FAQ – Schenley

Entry Confirmation

We do not notify you if your race entry is accepted, but if your entry is rejected or in question you can expect to be notified by the Competition Committee quickly. If you are accepted you will see your entry posted online by race group in late June. To appear in the official race program, your entry must be received by June 25.

Paddock

The PVGP does not take control of the Schenley Park and Prospect Drive until 8:00 AM Friday morning. If you arrive in town with your trailer and wish to park in the paddock on Thursday you must do so at your own risk, no PVGP security is provided until Friday night. Longtime PVGP volunteers Bob Borgo and Ken Murin run the Schenley Park paddock and will begin assigning your paddock spots promptly at 8:00 AM Friday. If you are already in the paddock before 8:00 AM Friday we ask that you not begin unloading because you may be asked to move to another location or to change your set-up to make more room for others. There is a small group of sponsor drivers that have reserved spots and some that move-in early. If you wish to become a sponsor please email the info@pvgp.orgfor details.

Drivers should email kenmurin@parkerplasticscorp.com if you have any questions about paddock arrangements. We can fit nearly 175 cars, but it takes careful planning and it helps if we know any special needs beforehand. The PVGP thanks Bob, Ken and the one thousand volunteers that make our event possible.

+ The paddock is located in a city park and is open to the general public until 8:00 AM Friday July 24, 2020

+ The entrance to the paddock is located at the corner of Hobart Street and Prospect Drive. The paddock itself is located on a city street(Prospect Drive) and surrounding grassy areas.

+ Being a city park, there are no power, water or sanitation hook ups or dump sites provided.

+ No open fires are allowed in the paddock at any time.

+ No PVGP Volunteers will be available to assist you in parking in the paddock until 8:00 AM on Friday morning.

+ Anyone parking in the paddock prior to that time must understand that they may be required to move Friday morning at the discretion of the Paddock Chief.

+ Parking in the paddock is both limited and tight. The shorter the over all length of your rig, the more room that will be available for you and your fellow competitors to park.

+ Rigs in excess of 40 feet overall may be held outside the paddock until approximately 6:00 PM Friday to asses availability of parking by the Paddock Chief. Parking may be on alternate street or streets.

+ Race cars only are permitted to park on the asphalt. No bumpers, tent posts, etc are permitted beyond the painted white lines. We must maintain proper space for emergency vehicles to enter/exit paddock.

+ Trailers and support vehicles must be parked in the grassy areas throughout the paddock.

+ Each race car entered in the event is allowed one(1) support vehicle to be driven in and out of the paddock Saturday and Sunday of the event.(NO EXCEPTIONS) All other vehicles must be removed from the paddock area Friday night.

+ Each driver registering at the event will be given one(1) “Paddock Access Pass” to be permanently attached to the outside of the drivers side top corner of the windshield of the chosen support vehicle. (NO EXCEPTIONS) Proper placement of this pass will expedite your entry to the paddock.

+ Beginning at 7:00 AM Saturday July 25, no vehicle will be admitted to the paddock without the pass correctly mounted in the correct position. (NO EXCEPTIONS)

+ Parking for additional vehicles outside the paddock is extremely limited and is the responsibility of the owner to obtain appropriate parking.

Refund Policy

Your race entry will be fully refunded if you notify Event Chairman or registrar before your tires hit the track on Saturday morning.

Fuel and Tires

110 octane race fuel will be available in the paddock on Saturday ONLY back in the Paddock Circle on Prospect Drive from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Sorry, at this time no tire dealers are expected to be present

Registration

Friday, July 24
8:00 AM Paddock Opens
1:30 PM – 5:30 PM Driver/Crew Registration at Paddock entrance
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Roving Technical Inspection in Paddock
3:30 PM – 4:00 PM First Time Driver Orientation at Paddock entrance
4:00 PM – 5:30 PM Walking Tour of Track (Mandatory for first-time drivers)
5:30 PM – 6:00 PM Mandatory Drivers Meeting – Legends of Schenley Park
6:15 PM – 6:20 PM Stage for Parade to Driver’s Reception
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM Driver’s Reception at Orr’s Jewelers on Forbes Avenue
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Driver/Crew Registration at Start/Finish
Late entries will need to meet with Registrar, CASH or CHECK ONLY. NO CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED on site.

Saturday, July 25
6:30 AM – Noon. Driver/Crew/Worker Registration located at PIT OUT tent.

Sunday, July 26
7:00AM – 10:00 AM Crew/Worker Registration located at PIT OUT tent.

Technical Inspection

Tech is run by Tivvy Shenton in the paddock
Friday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Saturday 8:00 AM – Noon
PVGP 2019 Tech Inspection Form – PDF

Special Features

We are hosting an Axis vs Allies race on Saturday. Please look at the Race Schedule as you may be running in several groups.

New Driver Orientation

On Friday, We will conduct a track walk through for new drivers, although experienced drivers are welcome.
3:30 PM – 4:00 PM First Time Driver Orientation at Race HQ Tent
4:00 PM – 5:30 PM Walking Tour of Track (Mandatory for first-time drivers)

Special Car Requirements

Sound Restrictions: Yes
Quiet Hours: 8:00 pm to 8:00 am all weekend.
Antifreeze permitted: No
Transponder Required: Yes. Cars without transponders will be gridded by Timing & Scoring and may start in back. No transponder rentals available – sorry.
See our Rules & Regulations for a complete list of car requirements.

Crew

Two crew are included, along with driver with each race entry. Crew must check in during Registration hours and receive wrist band for access to the HOT PITS.

Meals

A PVGP authorized food vendor will be set-up in the paddock selling breakfast & lunch all weekend. Hours are as follows:
Friday from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday from 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sunday from 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Hagerty Driver Lunches

Hagerty Insurance is sponsoring lunch for drivers and crew this year! At registration you will receive four passes for complimentary lunch for you and your crew. They are valid Saturday and Sunday at the Tambellini Food Truck located in the lawn area across from the entrance to the paddock. Each ticket is good for a sandwich (cheese steak, 1/2 pound burger, Italian sausage, 2 hot dogs or chicken fingers) a soft drink (Pepsi products, iced tea or water) and french fries.They will also have a Hagerty Hydration Station tent near the food truck with cold drinks all weekend and coffee and donuts on Saturday morning.

Driver’s Reception

The Driver’s Reception will be at Orr’s Jewelry Store on Forbes Avenue in nearby Squirrel Hill on Friday night from 6:30 – 8:30 includes carving station and heavy appetizers, free for driver and one crew. There are a limited amount of additional tickets that can be can be purchased at registration for $25 each (cash only).

Security

There will be volunteers as in the past to provide some security but this will be limited. Schenley Park is a public area that can not be entirely closed to the public. All entrants should take precautions for their own security. Close and lock up if no one will be at your trailer.

Recreational Vehicles

Drivers/crew only on a very limited basis in paddock. There is no electrical power or shower facilities available. Overnight stay is not permitted in the CitiPark.

Hotels

The PVGP has several hotel partners, each agreeing to make a donation to our charities. Click here for details and links.

What to See and Do in Pittsburgh

There is plenty to do in and around Pittsburgh while you are here for the races. Carnegie Museum and Phipps Conservatory are walking distance from Schenley Park, Squirrel Hill is a mere 5 blocks and downtown is only 5 miles away. See Visit Pittsburgh for details.

Contacts

jdteplitz@gmail.com – Schenley Park Competition Director *(646) 258-4000
rfborgojr@yahoo.com – Race Director (412) 310-4601
kenmurin@parkerplasticscorp.com – Chief of Paddock *(412) 860-7263‬

 

Rules & Regulations – PVGP Historics at Pitt Race

It is each competitor’s responsibility to understand and comply with all Rules and Regulations which apply to their car. Non-compliance may result in exclusion or disqualification. Ignorance of these rules is not a valid defense.

1. Standard Operating Procedures

Vintage sports car racing is an amateur sport where competition is meant to be friendly and casual. However, all forms of motorsports are dangerous; therefore we have developed the following operating procedures to help you understand what action should be taken under certain circumstances. Your knowledge and application of this information is vital to a safe event.

A. Official Race Control is through the PVGPA Chief Steward and the SCCA marshal or other recognized workers. It is imperative that you comply with their instructions. The PVGPA will rule on all race course conduct infractions.

B. Race Procedure Grids for the races will be determined by your qualifying times and qualifying race results. PVGPA reserves the right to slot cars into the grid in the interest of safety. Chief Steward decisions are final. In the event of inclement weather during qualifying, grids will be established by PVGPA Officials. Race lengths shown on the schedule are subject to change due to scheduling constraints, weather conditions and unforeseen circumstances. Changes are announced at the Driver’s Meeting, on the PA system or on the grid.

C. Tech Inspection Tech inspection hours and location will be stated on the official schedule. Your Tech Sheets are located at Tech and Race Registration – here is a link to the 2019 PVGP Tech Sheet Please have your correct assigned race number on your car and an AMB transponder properly installed before you arrive at Tech.

D. False Grid Cars arriving after the five minute signal may forfeit grid position. You may be required to join your session from pit out if you arrive after the grid closes. Do not attempt to regain your original grid position during the pace lap. No one under the age of 16 years of age is permitted on the grid. Open-toed shoes are not permitted.

E. Pit Entry and Exit should be at moderate or slow speed. Pit speeds will be announced at the driver’s meeting. Maximum speed will be 10 mph.

F. Passing Extra caution must be used whenever you are passing or being passed. The responsibility for a clean pass rests with both drivers. Primary responsibility is with the overtaking car. Corner stations will advise slower cars with a blue flag (passing flag.) Watch your mirrors. If practicable, the overtaken driver should clearly indicate to the overtaking driver on which side the pass should be made while maintaining a predictable racing line.

G. Safety Car If the safety car enters the circuit, slow down and follow in single file. Do not change position and do not pass the safety car unless waved by.

H. The Black Flag and Meatball (Black Flag with Orange Ball – mechanical problem) will be displayed at Station 13 on the back straight and may also be displayed at Start/Finish. If you are Black Flagged or shown the Meatball, pull into the Pits stall #1 and wait for an official to clear you to resume driving. Also for Practice sessions the Checkered Flag may also be displayed at the station and you should enter the Pits as the session is over.

I. Cool-Off Lap Because of time constraints and track length, cool-off laps are not standard procedure. In the extreme case that you miss pit entry after the finish line, do not remove gloves, belts, helmet, etc. during the lap.

J. Fuel Race fuel is available at the track at self-service pumps across from the Karting facility near the entrance. Open 24 hours with credit card or during business hours with cash – pay at PIRC business office at entrance.

K. Off Course If you go off course and are unable to restart, get out of your car and go immediately to a safe position per Corner Marshal instructions. Do not leave the area until arrangements have been made to retrieve your car. NEVER walk along the edge of the circuit, and do not cross the circuit unless directed by a Corner Marshal. If riding in your car while under tow, wear all safety gear. If you are able to restart do not rejoin the field until instructed to do so by a Corner Marshal. If none is present, you may rejoin only when there is an interval in the field such that if you should stall, your position can be clearly seen from a distance by oncoming cars. When in doubt, WAIT.

L. Pace Lap Drivers are allowed to scrub and warm tires. Drivers should close up distance to approximately one car’s length behind the car in front of them before the start. It is unacceptable to lag back for any reason. If there is a mechanical problem, the driver should pull off course and wave others by. Any driver lagging back to gain a competitive advantage will be black flagged after the start and most likely not invited back.

M. Race Start The pole position car will set the start speed after the Safety Car enters the pits. The green flag indicates the start of the race and position improvement is permitted at this time. Any car jumping the flag, getting out of line or lagging back will be black flagged on the next lap.

N. Race Restarts On re-starts during a race resulting from a double yellow, once the green flag is displayed, passing is permitted throughout the field.

O. Timing & Scoring You must have an AMB Transponder properly installed on your car. During the weekend, results will be posted at a location to be decided. Copies will also be available there. Cars without a transponder may be gridded at the back of the group.

P. Transponders Transponders are required. If you do not have one you will not be timed or scored and will be gridded in the rear. Sorry – rentals are not available.

Q. Driver Meetings Please check the schedule for driver meeting times and location. Please remember that attendance is mandatory for all drivers.

R. Radio Frequencies PVGPA operates on a dedicated radio frequency. This frequency is not to be used for race team communication. Thank you for your cooperation.

 

2. Vehicle Eligibility

A. Definitions
1. Eligibility period: A historic period beginning and ending with cut-off dates.
2. Time line: A date that defines an eligibility period.
3. Period specification: The configuration of a car as raced during the eligibility period.
4. Year of Manufacture: (YOM) Actual year car was built.
5. Year of Preparation: (YOP) Year represented by newest racing specifications found on the car, regardless of year of manufacture.
See PVGP list of eligible cars

B. Acceptance All cars must have a current Race Car Information Sheet (RCIS) and photo on file before an entry will be accepted. PVGPA may accept non-complying cars including replicas from time to time at its discretion. Participation at an event or the issuance of a logbook is no guarantee of continued acceptance.

C. Race Groups PVGPA defines Race Groups. These may be combined or divided from time to time depending on the expected entries at a particular event. PVGPA reserves the right to alter these groups as necessary to provide safe and fair competition. Each Race Group has a sheet that shows the classes and any rules that are particular to that Race Group.

3. Vehicle Preparation

Vehicles must meet the preparation specifications of the vintage race club you are entering under. It is therefore the responsibility of each competitor to research the proper period specification for his car, and to present it as such. The PVGPA will accept the Rules & Regulations of your organization with the below exceptions.

A. Body: The body configuration should be as raced “in period”. All body parts must be of the same material and design as those supplied by the manufacturer as standard or optional.

B. Wheels: Wheel diameter must be as originally fitted.

C. Engine: The correct engine displacement is required. The entrant must, with certainty, disclose the actual engine displacement. Engines must be of the original type; size and design as originally fitted by the manufacturer and be in the correct location.

D. Tires: The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix has adopted the tire rules and regulations that many of the national vintage racing organizations have come to abide by established by the SVRA’s 2019 Supplemental Tire Regulations.

Specifically Prohibited: Slicks or any of the following tires: Slicks or any of the following tires: Avon Tech RA, Avon ZZR, ZZS or CR500, BFG G-Force R1, Goodyear GS/CS/RS, Hankook Z214, Hoosier DOT Radial, (R7 or SM7), Kumho V710, Michelin TB5, Toyo RR, or any other “street slick” type DOT tire.

Note: ALL PRODUCTION CARS must use approved full molded treaded tires, regardless of what specification tires a car may have competed with in a prior race series. Tires may be shaved/worn to no less than 3/32”

If you have any questions in regards to tires it is recommended that you jbechtol@metzlewis.com

4. Safety Equipment

A. Seat belts: All cars must be equipped with a standard 5 or 6 point driver restraint system. Y-type harnesses are not permitted. The lap & shoulder belt webbing may be 2 or 3” wide. FIA/SFI certified 2” belts are permitted at the discretion of the Chief of Tech. The crotch strap webbing may be no less than 1” wide. Belts must be in excellent condition. Undated belts and dated belts over 5 years old are subject to replacement at the direction of the Chief of Tech. The mounting hardware and all attachment points must exceed the strength of the actual belt. Snaps must be pinned or safety-wired.

B. Arm restraints: Properly adjusted arm restraints are required in all open cars including open Targa tops and on closed cars without window nets.

C. Roll Bars: Suitable roll bars are required on all cars except certain PreWar and Preservation Cars as determined by the PVGPA.

D. Fire Extinguishers: All cars not equipped with an on-board fire suppression system must have either a 10BC rated dry chemical extinguisher (2 pound minimum) or a Halon 1301 or 1211 extinguisher (2 pound minimum)

E. Fuel Cells: Fuel cells are required for all groups except Pre-War and Preservation. Must meet FIA FT-3 specification.

F. Towing Eyes: All cars without an exposed roll bar shall have a towing eye or strap, front and rear, that does not dangerously protrude from the bodywork when racing, to be used for flat towing or hauling the vehicle. These towing eyes or straps shall be easily accessible without removal or manipulation of bodywork. A 2” towing eye is recommended. A removable towing eye carried inside the car is not acceptable

G. Helmets: Crash helmets approved by the Snell Foundation with Snell sticker 2010 or later, or by the SFI Sticker 38.1a for open faced helmets or SFI38.2a for closed face helmets or FIA standard 8860-2004. Closed face shields are recommended. Open face helmets require use of goggles or face shields, preferably made of impact resistant materials, if used in open cars. Glasses are not sufficient.

H. Head & Neck Restraints: Beginning in 2017 the use of a head and neck restraint system became mandatory in all groups except Pre-War and Preservation.

I. Driving Suits: All drivers must wear a suit that covers the body from the neck to the wrists and ankles. One piece suits are highly recommended. All suits shall bear a SFI3.2A/1 or higher certification or FIA 1986 Standard. Underwear of fire resistant material shall be used but is optional with multiple layer suits. Socks of fire resistant material and gloves made of leather and/or accepted fire resistant material containing no holes are required.

J. Driving Shoes: Shoes, with uppers of leather and/or nonflammable material that at a minimum cover the instep.

K. Cut-Off Switch: There must be an electrical cut-off switch to isolate the battery and cut off the ignition. Such switch must be accessible from outside the car and be clearly marked.

5. Driver Eligibility

A. Definitions: Event is open to any driver holding a current valid racing license from a vintage racing organization that recognized as a member of the Vintage Motorsports Council. Licensed members of the SCCA or NASA must attend a DOP (Driver’s Orientation Program) which is a 30 min discussion on vintage attitude and rules. The PVGPA Competition Committee retains the right to make the final decision as to individual driver eligibility. Competitors must be at least 18 years old.

B. Medical: Applicant’s Medical History must be current and from a current race organization or member organization of the Vintage Motorsports Council and license must show expiration date of medical clearance. If license does not show medical then you must have the PVGP Medical Form completed by a physician within the last 2 years and submitted with your entry. Anyone competitor over the age of 60 is strongly encouraged to have an annual physical and EKG/ECG. If your racing organization does not have a medical form you can use the new PVGP Medical Form.

C. Rookies: Anyone who has not previously completed at Pitt Race will be considered a rookie – no matter how many years you have been racing. PVGPA has a Rookie program in place to provide a method of acclimation of new members and promote the safety and fun of the sport. All rookies will have a rookie stripe on their vehicle at Tech. First time competitors at Pitt Race may be required to meet with Race Chair and/or attend a rookie orientation and be observed during Test & Tune on Thursday.

 

The PVGP welcomes VRG as a partner with the Historics Race Weekend. We also welcome a race group from The Vintage Sports 2000 North America Club.

Vintage Small-Bore & Formula Vee

Vintage eligible small-bore production cars such as Mini Cooper, Triumph, Turner, Austin-Healey Sprite, MG Midget and MG TD. Open wheel Formula 3 and Formula Vee, examples include Lynx, Caldwell, Autodynamics and Zink. This will be a split start group.

Vintage Medium-Bore (1.5-2.0 Litre)

Vintage eligible medium-bore production and special cars. A wide variety of popular sports cars including BMW 2002, Datsun 510, Elva Courier, Triumph GT6, MGB, Alfa Romeo, Lotus Europa and Elan.

BMW Club Race

BMW National Club Racing hosts a premiere points event featuring BMW Spec, Stock, Modified and Prepared Classes. Fully prepared race cars built from BMW street cars.

 

Vintage Large-Bore (2.0-3.0 Litre)

Vintage eligible production and special cars from 2.0 to 3.0 litres Eligible cars from 1975 and earlier (later cars must be approved). Big time excitement with Austin Healey 100, Chevy Corvair, Porsche 911 and Datsun 240Z.

Big Bore & Ground Pounders (Over 3.0 Litre)

Vintage eligible, large displacement production and special cars over 3.0 litres. Eligible cars up to 1972 (later cars must be approved). Ground pounding racing like GT40, Corvette, Camaro, Sunbeam Tiger, Jaguar and Ferrari.

Formula Ford

All cars must have a Ford Engine per SCCA or Monoposto rules and must run on vintage Formula Ford treaded tires. There will be a class within the overall race group for most Formula Fords manufactured between 1969 and 1999. General classifications will be as follows, with awards and podiums for all four car classifications at each event: Historic Fords, Club Fords, Early Modern Fords (Post Club Ford) and Modern Formula Fords.

 

Modern Historics

Certain to be the fastest group of the weekend watch non vintage eligible production and special cars built after 1975 blaze around the track. Including entries from the V8 Road Racing Series. (Refer to SVRA Groups 10 and 12/MP for general guidance) the Dodge Viper will be our 2020 Spotlight Car – all Vipers are eligible to compete in this Group.

Sports 2000

This fast and agile group is comprised of Sports 2000 cars which fall into one of three classes (S2 or Sports 2000, VS2 or Vintage Sports 2000, and HS2 or Historic Sports 2000) and select sports racers such as Lotus 23’s or Elva Mk. VII’s.

Vette vs Viper Race

Corvette will be the 2020 Marque of the Year and Dodge Viper will be our 2020 Spotlight Car. All eligible Corvettes and Vipers will compete in our Modern Historics group all weekend. If we receive enough entries we will pit these two legends in a Vette vs Viper single session race on Sunday afternoon.

 

Driver Policy – Schenley

The spirit of vintage racing at Schenley Park is to create a safe event for the enjoyment of spectators and racers while raising money for charity. Unlike some other vintage races, the PVGP is not about winning or driving aggressively. Unsafe driving will not be tolerated.

It is a privilege to be selected to race on city streets in front of 200,000 spectators. This honor requires that you race at 7/10 and at times even less. The PVGP is our nation’s only vintage race on city streets because of the cooperation of city officials. This privilege can and will be taken away by the City of Pittsburgh if the event becomes a danger to drivers, spectators or city property. Drivers found to be in violation will be disqualified from the event and asked to put their racecar back on the trailer.

DRIVER CONDUCT

Vintage race car drivers are expected to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for all participants and spectators. This requires recognizing that vintage grids include cars of many ages with great disparities in speed, cornering, and braking capabilities. Drivers, as well, tend to possess widely varied experience and ability. Accordingly, drivers are expected to exercise great care, prudence, and courtesy in passing and in traffic. The slowest car and driver has as much right to be on the track as the fastest, and all drivers must conduct themselves accordingly and make room for each other. Drivers of slower cars are reminded to watch their mirrors and allow faster cars room to pass, both on the straights and in the corners.

Car to car contact is absolutely contrary to the spirit of vintage racing as is reckless or aggressive driving that causes damage to the driver’s own car.

Drivers judged at fault may be penalized by exclusion from the meet and with the possibility of probation or suspension of driving privileges in which case the discipline will be reported to the Vintage Motorsport Council (“VMC”)

Driver Discipline

Any driver involved in any on-track incident (car to car contact or contact with an immoveable object on course – tree, curb, wall, etc.) must report immediately to pit-in and to the Black Flag Steward (who will be identified to all participants). If a car must be towed in, the driver must return to pit in and see the Black Flag Steward once the car has been returned to the paddock area. Driver actions on track will be reviewed and will be governed by the provisions of “Action on Driver Discipline”, outlined below.

Action On Driver Discipline

1) Corner workers need to report all infractions (i.e. flag violations, aggressive driving resulting in contact, loss of control, car contact of any kind, and the like) to the Black Flag Steward immediately, preferably during the session but in any case before the start of the next session.

2) In the case of an infraction, the Black Flag Steward shall notify the Driver Committee (comprised of three individuals appointed by the Competition Chair of the meet, all of whom must be active vintage car racers) to identify the infraction. The Driver Committee shall meet with the driver(s) involved and shall review all related evidence (driver(s) statement, witness statements, corner worker observations, video evidence) prior to making a determination as to the consequence of the infraction. Meetings and evidentiary reviews are to take place prior to the next session available to the driver whose actions have been called into question if at all possible as a serious infraction may lead to the dismissal of the driver from the meet.

3) The failure by any driver to report to the Black Flag Steward or to meet with the Driver Committee after an incident shall be viewed in a negative light and any attempt by a driver to alter the condition of the race car (remove tire marks, etc.) prior to the conduct of an investigation shall result in exclusion from the meet.

4) Penalties assessed by the Driver Committee may involve exclusion from the remainder of the meet and probation/suspension as may be merited by the nature of the infraction. Driver discipline shall depend upon a variety of factors including:

• Mechanical failure or unforeseen track conditions (which may warrant no discipline at all).
• Poor driving/judgment which may run the gamut from posing a hazard to other drivers to causing damage as a result of contact with an immoveable object or another car.
• Aggressive driving which results in the damage, serious or otherwise, to any car.

5) Penalties are meant to encourage changes in driver behavior. Penalties will range from a warning to probation/suspension for up to thirteen months depending upon the nature of the infraction. Exclusion from the remainder of the meet shall also be considered. All penalties shall be reported to the Vintage Motorsport Council (“VMC”) as required by PVGP membership in that Council.

6) The Driver Committee shall complete an incident form as to each infraction and penalty imposed at the meet. All evidence considered shall be noted on the form as well as the outcome. All incident forms shall be provided to the Chair of the Competition Committee no later than one week after the meet is held.

7) Drivers wishing to appeal any penalty to be reported to the VMC must present their case with new evidence to the PVGP Competition Committee within thirty days of the meet. New evidence may include videos, pictures, or witness statements. The Competition Committee will appoint an appeals panel to consider the appeal and make a final judgment as to its merit or lack thereof.

SAFETY

Vintage racing shares the common belief that it is an amateur sport where the pleasure of participating must exceed the desire to “Win at All Costs.” All competitors must know the limits of their skills, their cars and the race circuit. We place an extra emphasis on safety: Safe drivers protected by their properly prepared cars and further protected by their behavior and spirit on and off the track. This attitude of safety is the cornerstone of the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix. Our goal is incident free races for the enjoyment of racers and spectators and the continued success of our event.

VENUE

Of all the vintage race circuits throughout the United States; Schenley Park is one of the most dangerous and challenging. Unlike other events there are no guard rails or retaining walls or run-off areas. Schenley Park is a city park and the streets are actual city streets, most of them are crowned, two lane roads with rough pavement and curbs The sides of the roads are lined with phone poles, sidewalks, street signs, fire hydrants catch basins and trees. Don’t forget the numerous ancient stone walls that prevent drivers and cars from plunging down into the ravines of Panther Hollow. In addition to the physical challenges there are tens of thousands of spectators lining the course – in some areas, only 50 feet away, separated only by a snow fence. While all of these surroundings are charming, they are very dangerous and require competitors to be extra cautious and aware.

PVGP CHARITY & MISSION

In 2018 the PVGP donated $410,000 to their charity partners, bringing the 36 year total to $5.6 million. These funds directly help individuals in western Pennsylvania affected by autism and intellectual /developmental disabilities. Our racers contribute a large portion of the funds and they make additional donations on their entry forms. Thank you!

The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix’s mission remains the same as when it was established back in 1983 “To host a world-class vintage race event that celebrates our automotive heritage and raises money for charities.” Our races in Schenley Park present an opportunity for participants to relive the original spirit of vintage racing that took place on public roads in the 1940′s and 1950′s. We promote the preservation in a format that emphasizes a safe and friendly wheel-to-wheel competition with vehicles prepared to their era.

 

Pitt Race Complex Maps & Directions

Aerial and map of PIRC from May 2015, just after the south track was paved. Click on photo for a larger image.






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Pittsburgh International Race Complex is located in Big Beaver Borough, Pennsylvania. Conveniently located where the PA Turnpike and Interstate 376 meet, 45 minutes from Downtown Pittsburgh and only 30 Minutes from Pittsburgh International Airport. Just 2.3 Miles from exit 13 off the PA Turnpike on RT 18 North.