Classic cars will return to the streets of Coatesville this coming September. Photo credit Sitting Rock Creative
Bigger and better than ever, plans are underway for the 7th Annual Coatesville Invitational Vintage Grand Prix, September 14 – 16. coatesvillegrandprix.com
Each year, thousands of spectators flock to Coatesville to experience the excitement of watching vintage automobiles and motorcycles navigate a challenging two-mile course that winds through the historic city streets of Coatesville.
Brandywine Motorsports Club continues to manage and oversee the course design, competition and driver registration, which is now open. The Grand Prix attracts up to 60 vintage cars and 30 vintage motorcycles. Vintage cars and motorcycles dating back to 1983 and older that pass a safety and technical inspection are eligible to run untimed lapping sessions by class, with a staggered start, in a demonstration of driver skills and the capabilities of the historic vehicles. Contact Duke Wilford, President of Brandywine Motorsport Club, at bmcchair@gmail.com for information or register at http://bit.ly/CIVGP
The main Grand Prix event is on Saturday, September 16 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Free to the public, it’s one of the few remaining events in North America featuring vintage race cars and motorcycles that run through city streets. New this year is the 1st Annual Auto & Moto Show, sponsored by Brian Hoskins Ford, which will coincide with Saturday’s event. Spectators can enjoy food trucks, vendors, downtown restaurants, a lively beer garden, lunchtime entertainment, a soapbox derby and fun for the kids, all just steps away from the start/finish line.
Grand Prix weekend kicks off with the PRIXview Party on Thursday, September 14 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The evening under the stars is hosted by CIVGP committee member Crosby Wood and his wife Nancy at historic Brooklawn, just 15 minutes from downtown Coatesville in the rolling hills of Unionville. Cohosted by the CIVGP Committee and the Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce, the ticketed event includes cocktails, light fare and live music plus a Grand Prix sneak peek of select vintage vehicles. Tickets go on sale in July, check Coatesvillegrandprix.com for additional details.
On September 15, the eve of the Grand Prix, the Friday Evening Cruise-in features vintage cars, trucks and special interest vehicles. The public is invited to cruise in their licensed hot rods, classic and restored cars and can park their vehicles on Lincoln Highway between 1st and 5th streets where spectators can get an up-close look from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The event is free to the public, with no entry fee or registration required.
“We are extremely excited to showcase our great community over three days,” says James Logan, Coatesville City Manager. “The Grand Prix has become one of the most anticipated events in the region, bringing thousands to the City of Coatesville. We are grateful for our residents and youth volunteers who help the event planners pull off this annual attraction. I can’t say enough about the generous sponsors that truly support the City’s revitalization and improvement initiatives. Without them, the Grand Prix would be difficult to produce. We invite visitors to enjoy the experience of watching dozens of vintage cars and motorcycles traverse our City streets as we roll out the red carpet to welcome our, friends and guests for a day of family fun and excitement.”
“Sponsorship and vendor opportunities provide an ideal way for organizations to show community support while boosting visibility to thousands of residents, neighbors and visitors,” says Lisa Thomas, Sponsorship Director. Proceeds from sponsorships, PRIXview Party tickets, the Auto/Moto Show and souvenir sales benefit the Coatesville Parks and Recreation initiatives.
Leading sponsors of the Coatesville Invitational Vintage Grand Prix include Coatesville Youth Initiative (through the generous support of Bob & Jennifer McNeil), Brian Hoskins Ford, Jeff D’Ambrosio Auto Group, and JGM USA.
To learn about tax-deductible sponsorship opportunities, visit coatesvillegrandprix.com/sponsorship or contact Lisa Thomas at sponsorship@coatesvillegrandprix.com.
For complete event details, visit coatesvillegrandprix.com or email info@coatesvillegrandprix.com.
