Coatesville, PA – September 21, 2021 – Thousands lined the streets of Coatesville to cheer on nearly 50 drivers and riders of vintage cars and motorcycles as they charged through the historic city during the 5th Annual Coatesville Invitational Vintage Grand Prix.
The event provided the chance to experience one of the rare vintage motorsport events in America driven directly through city streets. Vehicles dating from 1900 to 1976 competed in a staggered-start, exhibition style event over a challenging 2.2-mile road course, complete with old-style straw bales.
The weekend kicked off with a sellout crowd at the PrixView Party, hosted by the Coatesville Rotary Club and co-sponsored by Leading Edge Autosport and Milanese Remodeling, on Thursday, September 16 at the Brooklawn Estate, providing guests a chance to mingle with sponsors, drivers, committee members and other vintage car enthusiasts.
The inaugural Friday Cruise-in enabled car clubs and drivers from around the region to cruise in and park their classic and restored cars on Lincoln Highway where spectators could get an up-close look. An impromptu parade along the entire course—complete with police escort—topped off the evening.
The Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce hosted the VIP Area of the race, where sponsors and car enthusiasts gathered; enjoying exclusive viewing points, the Philly Yard Bar and RS Werks who had their restored Porsches on display.
On Saturday, Jim Frank of Pylesville, Maryland, who drove a 1976 Lola T360, was awarded the 2021 Brian Hoskins Trophy as the top Grand Prix competitor who best exemplified sportsmanship, skill, and safety on the course.
Additional trophies were awarded for best overall presentation and performance in the following categories:
Motorcycles
Brian Carroll, Northfield, Massachusetts – 1971 BMW Sidecar
Dave Roper, Hicksville, New York – 1946 Moto Guzzi Dondolino
Auto
James Quade, Wilmington, Delaware – 1938 Riley
Artie Conk, Scotch Plains, New Jersey – 1932 Ford White Phantom
Announcer Bobb Rayner was joined by NBC10 News and Telemundo 62 Sports Anchor Jaime Becerril to call the action. In addition to a full day of competition, spectators enjoyed music, vendors, food trucks, and a sold-out VIP Area hosted by the Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce, featuring vehicles displayed by Brian Hoskins Ford and restored Porsches by RS-Werks.
“As Coatesville residents continue to address the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, the Grand Prix helped lift spirits, bring our community together, and shine a spotlight on our City’s resiliency,” says James Logan, Coatesville City Manager. “This event has become one of the region’s largest and best-loved community celebrations. We had more than 60 generous sponsors that made this event possible. We also appreciate City Council, Event Director Lisa Thomas, Brandywine Motorsports Club, drivers, volunteers, our first responders and medical teams who worked together to bring the event to life, with heartfelt thanks to the entire Coatesville community.”
A portion of the net proceeds raised through sponsorship, entry fees, parking fees, and event program and swag sales benefits the City of Coatesville Community Projects and Parks & Recreation activities, according to Logan.
Lead sponsors included Brian Hoskins Ford, the Coatesville Youth Initiative sponsored by Jennifer & Bob McNeil, Brandywine Health Foundation, CBIZ InR Advisories, Cleveland Cliffs, Coatesville Express Car Wash, Coatesville Land Inc., Communications Test Design, Inc., Leading Edge Autosport, Milanese Remodeling, Morgan Truck Body, OZFund Inc., PECO, Pennoni Associates, RKL LLP, RS-Werks and Urban Outfitters, Inc. www.coatesvillegrandprix.com
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About the City of Coatesville: The first and only city in Chester County, Coatesville is home to 13,000 neighbors and is undergoing economic and cultural revitalization that integrates innovation, education, and smart economic development, fueled by four Opportunity Zone tracts and a lively entrepreneurial spirit grounded in its historic past. Founded in 1915, Coatesville’s Historic District features many resources listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The City is home to the nationally recognized Coatesville Invitational Vintage Grand Prix. www.Coatesville.org