Pennsylvania Invitational Vintage Grand Prix Classic Car Race

Pennsylvania Invitational Vintage Grand Prix Classic Car Race

Pennsylvania Invitational Vintage Grand Prix Classic Car Race

Recreating the races through the streets of small town America that marked the resurrection of sports car racing in this country after World War II, the second annual Coatesville Invitational Vintage Grand Prix will take place in this Chester County, Pennsylvania, city on September 23, 2017. More than 65 race-prepared, and safety-inspected automobiles and motorcycles are expected to participate in this year’s event.
The event, which starts at starts at 8:30 AM and ends at 6:00 PM, is free and open to the public. There will be vendors, food, music and a beer garden. Ample parking is available with a shuttle service offered throughout the day.
The Grand Prix is an individually timed driving event, run over a 2.2-mile road course through the streets and neighborhoods of the City of Coatesville. The start and finish line is located on the historically famous Lincoln Highway, part of America’s first transcontinental highway. Old-style hay bale chicanes are arranged along the entire length of the course. The hay bales, like those used in the early days for racing, lend an air of nostalgia to the event.
“This event gives spectators a unique glimpse of what it might have been like in the by-gone days of American racing, where races were held in rural towns across the country, just like Coatesville,” said City Manager Mike Trio. “We invite everyone to come out and be part of the continuing history of the great city of Coatesville.”
The Coatesville Invitational Vintage Grand Prix donates all proceeds to the City of Coatesville Parks and Recreation Department to help operate and maintain the city’s recreational facilities. Primary sponsorship for the event comes from Hopkins Ford, as well as additional support from the Delaware Valley Audi Dealers Association.
 Last year’s inaugural event featured a 1936 Bear Special Indy Champ car, and a competition-prepared Ferrari 365 Daytona prototype that raced at the 1969 Le Mans. Former Philadelphia Eagles Head Coach Dick Vermeil participated in his beautiful 1927 Miller Schofield Sprint that belonged to his father. An original 1923 Mercer Raceabout was the oldest car entered.
In addition to the timed entries, car owners can participate in a "Lunchtime Touring” session during the one-hour lunch break from noon to 1 PM. There will be two, 20-minute sessions for 15 cars each, for a total of 30 cars. These sessions are open to all 1900 to 1965 vintage street cars. Motorcycles are not allowed. These non-timed sessions will be pace car lead, at brisk but safe speed. The cars do not need to meet any of the safety regulations.
More information on the Coatesville Invitational Vintage Grand Prix is available at: http://coatesvillegrandprix.com/
The event is open to race cars from 1900 to 1965 and motorcycles from 1940 to 1965.