Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix taking a road less traveled this year
The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix is traveling a different road this year.
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the annual event that encompasses most of Schenley Park “shifted gears,” according to organizers. There will be some smaller happenings on various roads in the region instead of the large 10-day gathering, which brings thousands of classic, unique and stylish cars and 250,000 people, according to Executive Director Dan DelBianco.
With outdoor gatherings of more than 250 prohibited by the state, the event had to be canceled.
That detour didn’t stop organizers.
They were still driven to do something to raise money for charity. As described on its website, the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Association raises funds for individuals in the Pittsburgh region with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities. Since 1983, the event donated more than $5 million.
Grand prix officials decided in May to postpone the event. But the Countryside Tour on Thursday already was part of the original plan for the year, so they chose to build off that, DelBianco said.
Bud Osbourne is the Countryside Tour chairman, with help from fellow MG and Triumph Club members for Thursday’s ride. It begins at the Ramada in Ligonier, with the lunch destination at Jamison Farm in Derry Township, in conjunction with the Laurel Highlands British Car Club. There are be two routes — one for 100 miles and second for 75 miles. Cars travel in groups of three to five.
“We look forward to returning to normal next year,” Osbourne said. “But, until then, we will ride Thursday, rain or shine, and help raise some money for charity. We can all stay safe and allow people to get out and enjoy their cars in a safe, responsible manner.”
The car clubs have been amazing, DelBianco said. Some participants who paid their entry fee told DelBianco to keep that as a donation. People can also donate here.
Other tours this weekend include three on Saturday — the Orange Belt tour, the Motorbike Countryside tour and the West Penn Miata Club rallye.
“We reinvented the event for this year, and I felt it was my responsibility to still do something,” DelBianco said.
“We, as car enthusiasts, know if we are all in our cars that is a perfect way to social distance and have limited contact with others. Cars can all start in a parking lot somewhere and take a drive and still raise money while staying safe.”
They are inspired by a play on the Latin phrase “carpe diem,” which means “seize the day.” “We say ‘carpe viam,’ which means ‘seize the road,’ ” DelBianco said.
Each club was invited to choose a route they want to drive and a date. The Mercedes-Benz club was the first to schedule a ride for Aug. 29. They did a similar ride in May.
We took a distanced ride today to raise money for the charity supported by the #PittsburghVintageGrandPrix. Unfortunately the event is cancelled but you can still donate to a worthy cause. #MBCA #Mercedes #Pittsburgh #PVGP @PghVintageGP @MBClubAmerica pic.twitter.com/nnAMsSA9zm
— Mercedes Benz Club America Pittsburgh Section (@mbcapgh) May 25, 2020
The grand prix is about more than beautiful cars, said Mark Sheldon of Moon, who is on the grand prix committee and the board of the Mercedes-Benz club.
“With the pandemic, we decided to do something different,” he said. “So, we challenged other clubs to fundraise and match some donations. We needed to get creative and give people something to enjoy while still raising money.”
The plan is to bring the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix back next year, July 16-25.
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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