Images from the 2019 Coatesville Grand Prix.
COATESVILLE — The City of Coatesville is eagerly preparing to welcome visitors back to one of the country’s few remaining vintage motor sport events. The iconic Coatesville Invitational Vintage Grand Prix returns for its fifth year on Saturday, September 18, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. www.coatesvillegrandprix.com
Spectators of all ages will get the unique chance to experience the roar of more than 70 rare vintage cars and motorcycles, dating from 1900 to 1975, winding through the streets of Coatesville. Drivers will compete in individually timed heats over a challenging 2.2-mile road course on the historic streets of Coatesville, complete with old-style straw bales.
Last held in 2019, the event draws thousands of spectators from the tri-state area and beyond, and attracts some of the most exclusive cars, including Ferrari, Porsche, Lotus, Auburn, and other rare vintage cars and motorcycles. Trophies will be awarded in each of five divisions, and the coveted Brian Hoskins’ Trophy will be awarded to the top competitor who best exemplifies sportsmanship, skill, and safety on the course. Marcia Barker, of Reading, PA, who drove a 1928 Ford Roadster during the 2019 event, was awarded the Brian Hoskins’ Trophy, and was the first female to receive it.
The weekend kicks off with PrixView Party, co-hosted by The Coatesville Rotary Club and Leading Edge Autosport, on Thursday evening, September 16, at the Brooklawn Estate. The ticketed event features cocktails, light fare, music and a special performance by Jackie Verna, who appeared as a top-10 contestant on Season 14 of The Voice. Guests are welcomed to mingle with sponsors, drivers, committee members and other vintage car enthusiasts.
New this year is a Friday Cruise-in event featuring vintage cars, trucks and special interest vehicles on September 17, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The public is invited to cruise-in and park their hot rods, classic and restored cars on Lincoln Highway between 1st and 5thstreets where spectators can get an up-close look. No entry fee or registration is required; however, all vehicles must be licensed.
“The Coatesville Invitational Grand Prix has become a signature event for the City, and we look forward to hosting visitors from around Pennsylvania and neighboring states to join in one of the largest community celebrations of the season,” says Coatesville City Manager James Logan. “We appreciate the enthusiasm of our initial leading sponsors including Brian Hoskins Ford, The Coatesville’s Youth Initiative sponsored by Jennifer & Bob McNeil, Brandywine Health Foundation, CBIZ InR Advisories, Coatesville Express Car Wash, Leading Edge Autosport, PECO, Pennoni Associates, and Urban Outfitters, Inc. We welcome additional individuals and businesses interested in sponsorship opportunities. Our thanks to Brandywine Motorsports Club, drivers, volunteers, our first responders and medical teams, and a special thanks to the entire Coatesville community who make this event possible.”
“This is one of Chester County’s biggest highlights and we look forward to a fantastic event!” says Jim Martin, Treasurer, Brandywine Motorsport Club. “It’s a big deal for our region because the Coatesville Grand Prix is the only remaining Grand Prix in America that is run on city streets. The Brandywine Motorsport Club is a non-profit organization that has been around since 1952, and our volunteer members facilitate motorsport events as well as drive in them. We’ve been involved with the Coatesville Grand Prix since its origin in 2016, and in addition to designing and laying out the course with a focus on driver and visitor safety, we are vetting the drivers and their vehicles. Specifically, we look for vehicles from 1975 and earlier that are representative of sports cars and motorcycles of the era.”
In addition to a full day of competition, spectators can enjoy music, vendors, food trucks, and the much sought-after VIP Area hosted by the Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce, located steps away from the start and finish line. General admission is free and net proceeds raised through sponsorship, entry fees and event swag sales benefit the City of Coatesville Community Projects and Parks & Recreation activities.
Course management and registration for the event is organized through Brandywine Motorsports Club. Drivers can apply and register through https://www.motorsportreg.com through September 4, 2021.
For information regarding Sponsorship, Vendor Opportunities, PrixView Party and VIP Area tickets, event history and details, please visit www.coatesvillegrandprix.com or contact Event Director Lisa Thomas at info@coatesvillegrandprix.com.
Follow all the action on our social media channels:
Facebook @coatesvillegrandprix
Instagram @coatesvillevintagegrandprix/
