COATESVILLE, PA — The City of Coatesville rolled out the red carpet for a record-breaking 80 drivers of vintage cars and motorcycles and over 5,000 visitors who attended the 7th Annual Coatesville Invitational Vintage Grand Prix on Saturday September 16 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. One of the most iconic motorsport events in the country, it offered a rare chance to see dozens of historically significant race cars and motorcycles roar along Lincoln Highway and navigate a challenging 2-mile road course. coatesvillegrandprix.com.
The Best in Show – Vintage Automobile trophy was presented to William Richter of Pitman, New Jersey, who drove a 1970 AMC AMX. Sam Wiggin and Heather Carroll Wiggin of New Boston, NH, won the Best in Show – Vintage Motorcycle trophy driving their 1971 BMW R75 Sidecar. Sam Wiggin stood in for Brian Carroll, Heather’s father and the usual driver, who supported the team this year from the pit. Show awards were presented by Duke Wilford, Chief Steward from Brandywine Motorsport Club, and Anthony Wilson from Jeff D’Ambrosio Auto Group.
Adjacent to the event, the 1st Annual Vintage Auto/Moto Show, sponsored by Brian Hoskins Ford and brought to you by Motor House Media, featured a curated selection of classic cars and motorcycles. Show awards were presented by Ed and Clayton Kovatch of Brian Hoskins Ford to:
- Best in Show Euro/Import Automobile: John R. Gailey, 1965 Iso Rivolta GT
- Best in Show Motorcycle: John Bonick, 1948 Royal Enfield
- Best in Show Domestic Automobile: Mark & Pam Shane, 1969 Pontiac Firebird Convertible
Spectators enjoyed music and entertainment, a vendor village, local restaurants and food trucks, the Jeff D’Ambrosio Auto Group Beer and Wine Garden, and a soapbox derby for the kids! Guest emcee Jaime Becerril and renowned motorsport commentator Bobb Rayner called the action.
Festivities began Thursday evening during the PrixView Party at the historic Brooklawn home of Crosby and Nancy Wood, cohosted by the Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce. The following evening, the Cruise-in offered non-competitors a chance to cruise their classic vehicles through the City, preview the course, park and mingle with fellow motorsport enthusiasts.
“It’s exciting to welcome thousands of visitors to the City of Coatesville for the Grand Prix, an event unlike any other in the country,” says James Logan, Coatesville City Manager. “It provides a chance for families and motorsport enthusiasts to get an up-close look at amazing vintage vehicles, watch them in action, and even get to know the drivers. It also is an opportunity for people to get to know and re-imagine the great City of Coatesville. We appreciate our generous sponsors, City Council members, The Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce, Coatesville residents, volunteers and City personnel, and are grateful to Duke Wilford, Chairman of the Brandywine Motorsport Club, who assembled a group of 80 fantastic drivers and riders.”
A portion of the proceeds benefits Coatesville Parks and Recreation quality of life initiatives. This year’s Grand Prix lead sponsors included Coatesville Youth Initiative (made possible by Jennifer and Bob McNeil), Brian Hoskins Ford, Jeff D’Ambrosio Auto Group, Cedarville Engineering Group, Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. and JGM USA.
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