Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Wins Economic Impact Award

When the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix (PVGP) took to the streets of Pittsburgh this past July, it marked the 35th consecutive year that the nation’s largest vintage sports car racing event graced Pittsburgh city streets.

The economic impact of the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix was upwards of $12 million for the race weekend of July 15-16. However, the event made an impression not just on the city, but also in the surrounding Pittsburgh community. As the only race of its kind, the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix aids tremendously in SportsPITTSBURGH’s branding of a unique and legendary sports town. Through this event, both VisitPITTSBURGH and SportsPITTSBURGH offer distinctive opportunities to bring in press tours, attract writers and showcase the city to fans and attendees of all ages and interests. Additionally, the event appeals to both domestic and international visitors and assists in leisure marketing efforts.

"We are honored that the organizers of the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix continue to hold this iconic event here in our great city," said Jennifer Hawkins, executive director of SportsPITTSBURGH. "When we are asked by the national and international media to speak about the things that make Pittsburgh unique... things that can only be found in Pittsburgh... the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix is certainly on that list. Pittsburgh is a major sports destination due to our ability to host a wide variety of sports events at both indoor and outdoor venues or in the case of the Grand Prix, on our city streets."

While the economic impact of the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix is immense, what is equally astounding is the charitable contribution of the

organization. Over the past 35 years of operation, the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix has donated more than $4.7 million to two local charities, the Autism Society of Pittsburgh and the Allegheny Valley School, with a record of $405,500 just this past year. Through attendees, sponsors, events and celebrations, the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix has been able to provide steady funding to the Autism Society of Pittsburgh and increase autism services in the Pittsburgh region each year since the event’s inception. For the Allegheny Valley School, the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix’s donations are utilized to cover expenses such as equipment, new programs and renovations that are not refunded by Medicaid. More recently, the funding has paid for an outdoor learning and sensory environment project including a pavilion, a fountain and outdoor necessities.

"This has become an international event, and it would not happen if not for the hard work and planning of  thousands of volunteers. Whether you enjoy racing, have always had a fascination with fast cars or just are looking for something unique to do in Pittsburgh, the Vintage Grand Prix hosts some of the top racers, car clubs and car shows in the world,” said Dan DelBianco, executive director of the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix.

With only one full-time employee, Executive Director Dan DelBianco, the organization depends on more than 1,000 volunteers, some who travel across the country from their homes each year to be involved. This year’s event featured over 150 vintage race cars, 2,500 international show cars and a commemoration of the 50^th anniversary of the Camaro. The 10-day celebration hosted a variety of show-stopping events including a black-tie gala, car show, downtown parade and two full days of races at Schenley Park. New to the event lineup this year was the Jet Center Party at Pittsburgh’s Allegheny County Airport, featuring exclusive and exotic cars and jets.

Unlike professional sports events that attract most of the headlines, the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix helps both SportsPITTSBURGH and VisitPITTSBURGH educate the media, stakeholders and surrounding community on the importance of amateur sports events and exhibitions to the area. The event contributes to the Pittsburgh economy while bringing a one-of-a-kind event to the community, as well as donating millions to charity.

About the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix: The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix's mission is to produce a world-class vintage racing event in order to raise funds to help provide residential care, treatment and support for developmentally disabled individuals in the Pittsburgh region.

About SportsPITTSBURGH: As the sports development division of VisitPITTSBURGH, SportsPITTSBURGH's primary goal is to attract and host a wide variety of sporting events in the region, providing the experience and expertise to reinforce Pittsburgh's reputation as a legendary sports town.