Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix: July 11-20

[bernie]

Well folks,

I "volunteered" to be "Marque of the Year" (MOY) Chairperson for the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix which is going to celebrate it's 26th year for 10 days in July 2008. Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Association

Last year my wife, son, I and some friends went to celebrate the event and took my FJ. I thought it was going to be a cool relaxing time giving some rides in our Dune Buggy but alas I was the only one with an FJ at the show and there where TONS of questions. Frankly, I was taken aback that there where not more FJ's out and about.

This year I am going to be a bit more busy than last coordinating MOY activities (while my wife sips wine with friends no doubt) and thought it might be a good idea to make everyone aware of the event. I took my FJ last year as "modern classic" and it was fun to show off the mods. Special thanks to Joel @ Ellis as his battery mount caught some eyes (of all things)

If you are going to be in the area you would be more than welcome to display your FJ and mods.

I realize that this is not an off-road event but thought you would want to be aware of it nonetheless.

....although you may also want to check out the events that happen on 12-13 July 2008 at BeaveRun. BeaveRun Motorsports Complex

BeaveRun has an off road course that is practically unused. I've explored parts of it with the buggies (yes I'm involved as a dealer of chinese buggies and yes I can get you a deal) and the Jeep and Hummer clubs come out for overnight get togethers. Since BeaveRun is part of the whole PVGP I would be happy to talk to Tim, the owner, about doing something with FJ's. Of course this would mean that I need a volunteer to coordinate but I think it could be done.

Just as an FYI. The PVGP has about 250,000 people attend over the course of the 10 days: 210,000 on race weekend. It's an amazing event! Check out the website. BeaveRun is another rather well kept secret: Karting Nationals are held there and they do driver training for Various State Police agencies as well as (Government Agencies whom I cannot name). The 007 class is very cool.

If anyone is open to it... It's a pretty well kept secret. You can bring the wife an kids, maybe do some offroading at BeaveRun, catch some very cool races, hang around the the weeks events in the 'burgh and then clean 'er up and come on down and show off your FJ the next weekend.

Just an idea. Let me know if anyone has a passing fancy...

Lots of stuff on the websites!

and if nothing else you gotta see this video:
Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Association

way old school, open wheel racing like grandpa used to watch!

[bernie]

Oh, and I almost forgot to mention that "Mines & Meadows" is just up the road from BeaveRun...

Mines & Meadows News Page

You can ride your ATV, UTV or Buggy on trails AND in a MINE!!!

[illFJC]

Bernie,

I'd be happy to put an FJ Program together. Let me know what you need.

[bernie]

Excellent! I'll talk to Tim in the AM.

[jhaydeno]

For those that aren't familiar with the GP, it is a race of vintage cars on a winding stone lined road. They really do race, and really do get banged up. Up on the hill they have a fantastic concoures (sp) car show with anything you can imagine. Plan on spending the weekend; it is so well worth the time for any car enthusiast. Even though it's a four hour drive, I've been a bunch of times (next to the FJ and farm tractors I happen to have tucked in a '58 Jag Mark I with a 3.8L E type racing motor and a pristine '73 MG Midget, covered of course).

[illFJC]

bump! This would make a great compliment to the PVGP weekend.

(slightly off topic)

Also, just to let FJ members know:

If anyone is interested in getting together for trail rides or club activities give me a shout. I teach motorsports at BeaveRun (BeaveRun Motorsports Complex) and we are getting our 2008 "Dirt Days" and classes scheduled. I'd love to get together with some "local" FJ's.

EDIT: First date added - BeaveRun Dirt Weekend, March 15-16

[bernie]

I'll leave this in your capable hands

[Draco]

Sounds interesting...I'd be coming in from Youngstown. If it works out maybe there could be a winter event too.

[illFJC]

Draco previously said:

Sounds interesting...I'd be coming in from Youngstown. If it works out maybe there could be a winter event too.

BeaveRun has off-road days all through out the year. The HRJA Jeep Club was just here on Saturday and the Hummer Club was here back in December for winter trail rides.

If you are interested- send me a PM with your contact info. I head up the local trail rides and club days. I have no problem creating a "BeaveRun FJ Club" if there isn't enough of a club presence in our area.

[illFJC]

March 15-16 Dirt Weekend @ BeaveRun : BeaveRun Dirt Weekend, March 15-16