History — How it All Began

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The entire history of the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix can be summarized as follows: Art McGovern, racing enthusiast, and his friend, Mary Beth Gmitter, had long felt that the street s of Pittsburgh’s Schenley Park were an ideal venue for a wheel-to-wheel vintage car racing event. They approached the city and discovered they would need a charity to be the beneficiary of any money such an event might raise. They chose the Autism-Pittsburgh, who recommended a second well-known local charity, Allegheny Valley School, and the voice of the Steelers, Myron Cope, to sell it. And sell it they did to Mayor Dick Caliguiri, vintage car driver owners, racecourse layout planners, a source of volunteers, city workers, sponsors, insurance companies, and a sanctioning body. It took three months to put everything in place and the first race was held on Labor Day weekend, September 3, 1983.

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Except for the founders, names are less important than the remarkable roles played by all those who — then and since — have been captivated and consumed by their vision. From volunteers, drivers and car clubs to charities and sponsors, the right people have stepped up and into our history. From Day One to the present, they have enabled the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix to evolve from one day of vintage racing and a tiny car show to an internationally recognized two-week celebration of automotive historical excellence, plus pride in our city and its big, big heart.