by Bernard Martin & Luigi Chinetti Jr.

Pittsburgh, PA - The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix (PVGP) is thrilled to announce that Luigi Chinetti Jr. has been named the Grand Marshal for the highly anticipated 41st running of the event. This year's PVGP will be a special celebration, as Ferrari has been named the Marque of the Year, with a focus on the remarkable history of the North American Racing Team, NART.  Luigi Chinetti Jr.'s family legacy and his own racing career make his the perfect choice for this prestigious role. 

His father Luigi Chinetti Sr,. played a pivotal role in developing the Ferrari marque in North America. Through his efforts and his sales abilities using an informal dealer system, he established a strong foundation for Ferrari's presence in North America. These sales significantly contributed to Ferraris financial stability, providing in part the resources necessary to support his racing activities.

Luigi Chinetti Jr. followed in his father's footsteps, not only as a prominent figure in the Ferrari world but also as a talented racing driver on his own. His biography is a testament to his dedication and passion for racing and the Ferrari Marque. He began his informal racing career in the late 1960s, building upon the foundation laid by his father. 

In his first appearance  at 24 hours of Daytona he finished a credible 7th overall, and in next year’s event, racing a 312P winning his class. Going on to Sebring for the 12 hour race, he was to finish in the top ten between 1970 and 1973. 

However, it was at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1971, at 29 years old, where he joined fellow competitors to make his first start at the Circuit de la Sarthe. He competed in the iconic endurance race three times with NART Ferrari's: in 1971 finishing 5th with Bob Grossman,  behind two Porsche 917s and two Ferrari 512Ms winning his class. In 1972 with 1965 LeMans winner Masten Gregory; a retirement, and in 1973 with François Migault finishing13th. 

As he is fond of saying, “My most interesting success came on the Bonneville Salt Flats, where I was aired with Graham Hill, a World Champion, Milt Minter, and most notably, Pau Newman!”  He came away with a World Record that still stands.

Beyond his achievements as a driver, he also made significant contributions as a designer. In 1967, he worked with fashion illustrator Bob Peak in designing several unique Ferraris that have attained significant notoriety. These include two estate wagons, and a mid-engined Ferrari, based on a 250P which was later updated to 275P specifications after 1964. It was Michelotti-built and made the cover of Car and Driver magazine. Several others cars where penned by Chinetti,Jr. including the rather famous 1972 Ferrari Daytona 365 GTB/4 Shooting Brake "extended coupe”. 

Luigi Chinetti Jr. has been an ambassador for Ferrari and the NART legacy. He has worked tirelessly to preserve and promote the rich history of NART, ensuring that future generations understand and appreciate its significance in the world of motorsport. 

As the Grand Marshal of the 2023 Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, Luigi Chinetti Jr. will grace the event with his presence, sharing his invaluable experiences and insights with fellow enthusiasts, fans, and participants. His involvement will undoubtedly elevate the event and make it a truly unforgettable experience. 

The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix is honored to welcome Luigi Chinetti Jr. as the Grand Marshal, commemorating the legacy of NART and celebrating Ferrari as the Marque of the Year. This year's event promises to be a remarkable tribute to motorsport history, bringing together enthusiasts from all over the world.

For more information about the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix and the 2023 event, please visit www.pvpg.org or contact Bernard Martin. 

by Bernard Martin and Chat GBT

​Luigi Chinetti Sr. played a significant role in Ferrari’s early success in America. He was appointed as the official importer of Ferrari cars to the United States in the late 1940s, and his passion for the brand and belief in the potential of American drivers and teams led him to establish the North American Racing Team (NART) in 1958.

NART was the only American team to ever compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and it was involved in other international motorsports events such as the 12 Hours of Sebring and the 24 Hours of Daytona. NART’s partnership with Ferrari was essential in promoting Ferrari in the American market, and it had a lasting impact on the sport.

NART’s most famous achievement was winning the overall victory at Le Mans in 1965 with a Ferrari 250LM driven by Jochen Rindt, Masten Gregory, and Ed Hugus. Coincidentally, Ed Hugus was born in Pittsburgh and raced at LeMans 10 times and later opened a Pittsburgh auto dealer that built the first three Shelby Cobras. He also helped establish the Steel Cities Region of the SCCA. The team also won the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1968 and 1970, and its drivers included notable names such as Pedro Rodríguez, Mario Andretti, and Phil Hill.

The 2023 Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix will showcase the rich history and legacy of Ferrari and N.A.R.T. Many chapter members of the Ferrari Club of America from throughout North America have already committed to congregating in Pittsburgh for Tifosi-centered events.  The events are expected to attract a vast number of motorsport enthusiasts and will feature a wide range of activities, including car shows, races, and exhibitions.

Click this link to see all of the 2023 Events for Ferrari 

The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix (#PVGP) is is very excited that Ferrari and N.A.R.T. - North American Racing Team, will be honored as Marque of the Year at the 2023 motorsports festival. The two entities have a rich and fascinating history inextricably intertwined to Pennsylvania, and their association has led to some of the most memorable moments in the world of motorsports. 

Several Ferrari Clubs already have events planned to attend the PVGP Motorsports Festival Events:

• FCA Western Pa - The local club will be participating in all 10 days of motorsports events
• FCA Ohio - This group was really the impetus of not only making Ferrari the 2023 Proiettore Macchina for the Cortile Italian Show, but because of the huge pre turnout motivated the PVGP to select Ferrari as the Featured Marque for 2023.
• FCA Penn Jersey - There is a caravan coming form NY-NJ- Eastern PA
• FCA Mid Atlantic - We have been told there is a group heading this way and has coordinated with Barry Cross from Penn Jersey. 
• FCA Empire State - We have  been told that there is a group from New York and New England coming, but I don't have details yet.
• FCA Southeast - When I was at Hilton Head judging I was approached by several from this area that said they were planning a drive.

Ferrari Clubs are participating in the following  events:

Wednesday, July 19, 5-9 PM - Tune-Up @ SouthSide Works:  The SouthSide Works is Pittsburgh’s premier city lifestyle center. Uniquely positioned on the Monongahela riverfront and nestled in Pittsburgh’s historic and bustling Southside neighborhood on the site of the former J&L Steel Works. Hundreds of cars will gather for a fabulous car show including race cars, exotics, antiques and show cars for this exciting street festival in the streets surrounding SHOP 412 and the SouthSide Works Town Square. Cost is $50 per car and includes two drinks.

Thursday, July 20, 6:30-11 PM – Passport to Elegance Hanger Party: An exclusive Hangar Party at the Pittsburgh-Butler Regional Airport.  The party will be Ferrari themed as we anticipate a large contingent of Ferrari owners coming into town to celebrate the Marque of 2023. Get immersed in the evolution and examples of the rare and interesting automotive and air transportation throughout this period in a festive and lavish atmosphere featuring scrumptious passed hors devours, top notch strolling food stations and two top-shelf open bars. The evening will also include live music, silent and live auctions and other surprises you won’t want to miss. Cost $395 per person includes premium appetizers and open bar.

Friday, July 21, 6-9 PM– Ferrari Marque of the Year Dinner Reception at the Pittsburgh Golf Club. Please join Ferrari Club members, honored guests and Grand Prix dignitaries for a relaxing evening at the Historic Pittsburgh Golf Club. A strolling dinner and cash bar accompanied by some live entertainment while you enjoy the evening inside the clubhouse and a preview of the attractions at the Cortile. Car show participants for the evening will also get their dash card required for entrance for the weekend and receive expedited entry both Saturday and Sunday. $65 per person

Saturday & Sunday, July 22-23,  9AM-5PM - Cortile / Ferrari Marque of the Year Weekend -  The “Cortile della Corsa” is the Italian Car Show at the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix. It translates into the "Courtyard of Racing" , which is an appropriate name for our display of fine Italian macchina on the 18th hole of the Bob O’Connor Golf Course at Schenley Park.  As the 2023 Marque of the Year, Ferrari's have a special show area. Enjoy the entire weekend at the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix overlooking the car shows on the Schenley Park Golf Course and the vintage races through the city streets.
$150 Entry includes:

• Weekend parking for your car in the Cortile on the golf course
• Cortile t-shirt, car decal, PVGP poster and PVGP color race program
• Lunch for two in the Pittsburgh Golf Club on Saturday, July 22
• Dashcard with a unique Bio of your car
• Lanyard Badges – Required for admission to the Clubhouse
• "Wine on 9" -  VIP Admission at the Westinghouse Pond at Turn 9 to watch the races
• Additional Saturday lunches can be purchased for $45 each

You can get more details about the individual events by clicking the links in the event name above.  If you would like to register for the events above please use the button link below.  To save time, be sure to set up your profile and book all of your registrations in one sitting.  Just add items to you cart and continue shopping.

The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Pittsburgh - Cranberry Twp, PA is the host hotel for Ferrari Clubs.  Located at the intersection of 1-79 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike, close to Route 19, we’re an accessible choice for neighboring states or conferences.

​The Passport to Elegance Hanger Party is about 25 minutes North while Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix in Schenley Park is about 25 minutes South.  You will enjoy returning to the welcoming indoor bar and restaurant after your day at #PVGP events

NART (North American Racing Team) was a racing team that fielded Ferrari sports cars in various racing events, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The team was founded by Luigi Chinetti, a former Ferrari racing driver who had established a Ferrari dealership in New York City in the 1950s.

NART's racing history at Le Mans began in 1958, when Chinetti and co-driver Olivier Gendebien won the race in a Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa. This was the first of four Le Mans victories for the team, which would go on to compete in the race over the next decade.

In 1961, NART entered three Ferraris in the race, including a 250 GT SWB, a 250 GT California, and a 250 TRI/61. The 250 GT SWB driven by Gendebien and Phil Hill finished second overall, while the California driven by Bob Grossman and Glenn Roberts finished fifth overall. The team also won the GT class with the 250 GT California.

In 1963, NART entered a Ferrari 250 GTO in the race, which was driven by Pedro Rodriguez and Jean Guichet. The car retired from the race due to engine problems, but it remains one of the most iconic NART Ferraris to have competed at Le Mans.

NART's 1965 Le Mans victory with a 1964 Ferrari 250 LM was a significant moment in the team's racing history. The car, driven by Jochen Rindt, Masten Gregory and Ed Hugas (from Pittsburgh PA), completed 347 laps and secured the first and only overall victory for a Ferrari 250 LM at Le Mans. This was also the first overall win for an American team at Le Mans and the seventh overall win for Ferrari at the race. The victory remains one of the most iconic moments in NART's racing history and a testament to the team's success in the world of endurance racing.

NART's final Le Mans victory came in 1972, when the team entered a Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona in the GT class. The car was driven by Luigi Chinetti Jr., Bob Grossman, and Francois Migault, and it finished 9th overall and first in class.

Overall, NART's racing history at Le Mans is a testament to the team's success in the world of sports car racing, and to the enduring legacy of the Ferrari brand at one of the most challenging and prestigious racing events in the world.

Ferrari's decision to quit Le Mans in the late 1970s was largely driven by changes in the rules and regulations of the race that made it less attractive to the company. In particular, new rules were introduced that favored the use of smaller engines with reduced fuel consumption, rather than the larger, high-performance engines that Ferrari was known for.

At the time, Ferrari was also facing financial difficulties and was struggling to compete with other manufacturers in Formula One and sports car racing. The company had also recently faced the loss of its founder, Enzo Ferrari, who passed away in 1988.
​
These factors, combined with the changing regulations in Le Mans, led Ferrari to shift its focus to other racing series, such as Formula One and GT racing. Despite this, Ferrari has continued to be a dominant force in sports car racing and has won multiple championships in GT and endurance racing over the years.

We are just over 30 days away from this summers Cortile Italian Car Show at the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix!
We've got some great new things for you to enjoy this year!
Saturday & Sunday July 20-21, 2019

As you know, each year the Cortile selects a marque to highlight for our annual event.

The Macchina of Alfa Romeo have been selected as our 2019 Proiettore Macchina!

Joining us this summer is the Alfa Romeo Owners Club (AROC) who will be holding their North American Convention and honored also as the spotlight car of the 2019 running of the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix.. 

The theme for the AROC convention is "Cortile della Corsa", the "Courtyard of Racing" and will feature Alfa Romeo's on the track as well as iconic racecars on the showfield. Be sure to check out the poster car that was raced by Fangio and Phil Hill. 

Deb Schurko came up with the idea of Wine Tasting on Turn 9 a few years ago and it's become the best place to watch the races on Sunday. Plenty of shade and some wine tasting, courtesy of Mazza Winery, after the opening ceremonies and parade! This year we're introducing something new, but first...

This year, we've had a slight price increase on weekend registration to $150.  After 10 years we've experienced a few cost increases and it was time to adjust up a bit to make sure we where keeping our contribution to the charity growing compared to the other marques down the hill from us.

But, in conjunction with Wine on 9 at the Westinghouse Pond on Sunday,we've also got a NEW sponsor in JKS Financial . As a company with more than 45 years of combined experience, JKS Financial prides themselves with the relationships they build with their clients and they want to build some charitable relationships with us!  This summer they are sponsoring and hosting the Sunday Catered Lunch at the Westinghouse Fountain. 

This year your weekend entry will get you lunch for two on both Saturday and Sunday!
We've also upgraded some of our goody bag stuff. This year we're including a collapsible umbrella (to keep you in the shade of course) and some beeswax lip balm so your lips aren't burned for the wine tasting!  And you will love this year's t-shirt! It features the poster art you see up above. 


Artist Kelly Telfer will be on hand to autograph the posters and even your shirt or hat. Oh! I forgot to mention the hat!  This year's is different from previous years.  You'll just have to wait and see that!

If you have not gone over to the judges tent at the previous years events and chatted with the judges you may just want to do that.

Did you know that Steve Barney was the first person outside of a direct Ferrari employee to ever get to own a Ferrari Grand Prix Car?  Ask Steve about Nikki Lauda's F1 Car that he owned thanks to his friend Enzo Ferrari.  Steve is also the founder of Foreign Cars Italia in the south and is pretty intimate with all Italian marques.

You may also want ask some questions of Tom Frasca.  Tom was Dipendenti Ferrari for the North American Racing Team, more commonly known at NART. Tom served as Luigi Chinetti's right hand man for 26 years until 1994 and was a witness to much of the history that has made Ferrari an iconic name today.

Stop by the judges tent at 2pm to ask them some questions!

Now, to do all that you've got to register! 

If you have not done so already, click the button below and register now for the Cortile Weekend.  (If you own an Alfa Romeo CLICK HERE instead).

Thank you very much for your continued support of our charities!
Bernie

Wayne Long, Chief Judge and Founder of the Cortile Cup has announced that he has selected a new Judge for the 2015 Cortile Cup Competition.  Tom Frasca will be joining the judging team for the 2015 annual event at the Pittsburgh Golf Club on Saturday during the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix.

Prior to his acceptance of taking on the role of "Guidice Anziano" (Senior Judge) at this years Cortile Cup Competition, Tom developed a very robust resume. From 1969 through 1974 was a member of the SCCA and competed in Open Wheel & Sports Racing. He worked with Ferrari in North America on their racing team until 1994 and then served on the Architectural Review Board for Southeast New York.  Design and engineering course through Tom's veins.  

In August of 2012 Tom created "Scuderia Ferrari Club of Denver" with the help of Gabriele Lalli, Piero Savazzi and Dr. Mauro Apicella of Ferrari GeS. This club had been in the workings since 2004 and is the only official sanctioned Ferrari F1 team club in North America.

We are very honored to welcome Tom as one of our elite group of judges for the Cortile Cup. He brings a wealth of automotive experience in design and engineering.  Be sure to stop by and pick his brain: He has some wonderful stories and is an encyclopedia of Italian Racing history that he quite literally lived through.