COATESVILLE — Families and car enthusiasts alike are about to be transported to the golden age of early American sports car racing at the Fourth Annual Coatesville Invitational Vintage Grand Prix. The City of Coatesville invites the public to this free event through its historic streets on Saturday September 21, 2019 from 8:30am to 5pm. www.coatesvillegrandprix.com
Step back in time at this extraordinary motor sport event, when dozens of rare and unique historic cars and motorcycles dating from 1900 to 1970 will compete in an individually timed race over a challenging 2.2-mile road course on the oldest highway in America, complete with old-style hay bales. Now in its 4th year, the event has drawn thousands of spectators from all over the tri-state area and beyond and has attracted some of the most incredible and expensive cars, including Ferrari, Porsche, Lotus, Auburn, and other rare race cars and motorcycles. Trophies will be awarded in each of the racing groups, plus one for best overall performance.
“The Coatesville Invitational Grand Prix has quickly become one of the City of Coatesville’s biggest community attractions,” says Coatesville City Manager Michael Trio. “This is definitely a highlight of the year in Chester County where people can step back in time for a fun-filled day of racing excitement and vintage charm. We greatly appreciate all of the participants, volunteers and sponsors, especially our lead sponsor Brian Hoskins Ford.”
In addition to a full day of racing excitement surrounding Third Avenue and Lincoln Highway, guests can enjoy music, vendors, food trucks and a beer garden for the adults, all just steps away from the start and finish line, plus post-racing awards and entertainment. The event is free and net funds raised benefit the City of Coatesville’s Parks and Recreation Capital Projects.
ABOUT: Inspired by the Ron Howard movie “Rush” about the epic rivalry between two Formula 1 racing greats, City Manager Mike Trio envisioned a car race through the streets of Coatesville that would spotlight the city’s resurgence. His idea came to fruition in 2016, after a chance visit to a Coatesville shop where machinist Dick Miles, an avid vintage motorcycle and go kart racer was making car repairs in a garage that looked like it was locked in the year 1950. Every inch of the shop was covered in vintage racing posters or parts from vintage motorcycles, speedboats and go-karts. Inspired by what he saw, Trio was determined to create an event that evoked the same bygone era as Dick’s shop. And so, the Coatesville Invitational Vintage Grand Prix was born. With the blessing of Coatesville City Council, and a lot of hard work, the first race was run September 24, 2016. Support from local businesses and motor sports enthusiasts ensures it thrives.
For more information, visit www.coatesvillegrandprix.com. For sponsorship and vendor registration, contact Coatesville City Manager Mike Trio mtrio@coatesville.org or 484-643-8382.
