2009 Pittsburgh Vintage Gran Prix weekend schedule - July 18th & 19th

Usually I post this way earlier but I missed the ball this year. But for anyone looking for something great to do this weekend, here is the rundown.
www.pittsburghvintagegrandprix.com
Map of the track/show grounds
http://pvgp2.schoolwires.net/pvgp/lib/pvgp/PVGP_09_Schenley_Map.pdf

Schenley Park Car Shows and Race Qualifying - Saturday July 18
Schenley Park Combined Car Shows & British Car Day - 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Come see classic, antique, and exotic vehicles including British, American, German, Asian, and Italian cars on the golfcourse. Watch over 175 vintage racers compete on the track all day to quality for Sunday’s featured races. Details

Vintage Race Practice and Qualifying Heats - 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Details

Saturday, July 18
6:30 AM to 2:00 PM - Driver/Crew Worker Registration
8:00 AM to 12:00 PM - Technical Inspections

CARS ON TRACK 8:15 AM - 5:00 PM

6:30 PM PVGP Volunteer Party at Hospitality Tent at Start/Finish,
compliments of the PVGP. Dinner, refreshments and music.

Schenley Park Race Day - Sunday, July 19
8:15 AM to 10:15 AM 15 Minute Warm-up & Practice Laps
11:00 AM to noon Opening Ceremonies
Parade laps by BMW Marque, Honorary Race Director
Patron Parkers and Thunder Run motorcycles
12:00 to 5:00 PM 7 Races (8 lap races or 30 Minutes whichever comes first)
9:30 AM to 4:00 PM Combined Car Shows on the golfcourse


No Admission - There are several access points for spectators into Schenley Park and onto the golf course. Although there is no admission charge please consider making a $5 donation to our charities; the Autism Society of Pittsburgh and Allegheny Valley School.

Food & Refreshments - Concession stands are set up throughout the park selling sandwiches, Pizza Hut pizza and soft drinks. You are permitted to bring your own food and drinks, however, no open flames or grills are permitted. Many of our car clubs and sponsors have tents that serve food to their members and are privately catered.

Seating - You are permitted to bring a blanket or chairs to watch the races. There is no general seating or bleachers available. Picnic baskets and food are also allower - please deposit your trash properly. Tents (including 10’ x 10’ pop-ups) and umbrellas are not permitted unless you are a sponsor or vendor.

Pets are not allowed - In consideration of the other patrons and the safety of your pets, please do not bring pets.

Parking - Public parking is available on Flagstaff Hill, across the street from Phipps Conservatory for a $10 daily fee. Free bus shuttles leave every 7 minutes to take you up to the golf course, the clubhouse and over to the Start/Finish Line. Street parking is always an option but we recommend parking on Flagstaff and taking the shuttle.

Location - The races are held on the streets of Schenley Park (just 4 miles from downtown Pittsburgh) in Oakland. the Park is situated between the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University. The car shows are held on the golf course and provide an excellent vantage point to watch the races as they pass alongside the golfcourse in a 3/4 mile stretch. Spectators can browse the car shows and visit sponsor/vendor tents and displays. The racing action is broadcast over a public address system. Race Programs are recommended to help you get a handle on the activities on the track.

Whats a good time to go down tomorrow to see some races and some of the car show? Without it being crazy packed?

To be honest I have no good answer. Maybe more towards the morning? Best way to avoid the crowds a little easier is to park outside the park & walk in or use the free shuttles they have running around. Most people park on flagstaff hill and never seem to make it past the main show grounds. If your going for pictures definitely try to get over to the paddock area on Prospect street, way different atmosphere compared to the show grounds.