A Day of Speed, Stories, and Honoring Pittsburgh

By Sarah Reed | Pitt Race

Pittsburgh International Race Complex welcomed a dynamic group of new faces for a special media day. The goal? To give local influencers, writers, and tourism partners a firsthand look at what makes Pitt Race—and its deep connection with the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix (PVGP)—a cornerstone of both motorsports and the region’s culture.

Jim Dolan, Chairman of the PVGP, whose passion for racing and community welcomed a group of international travelers learning about the greater Pittsburgh area. With his signature charm and a few memorable tales behind the wheel, Jim walked attendees through the incredible growth of the PVGP—from its early car show roots to what is now a ten-day motorsports festival that draws over 200,000 spectators and raises millions for autism-related charities.

“Everyone who comes to this track has the same reaction,” Dolan shared. “They say, ‘I didn’t know this was here. This place is incredible.’ Pitt Race has become one of the best-kept secrets in motorsports—but it won’t be a secret for long.”

As part of the day’s conversations, Dolan explained how the PVGP’s expansion to Pitt Race in the early 2000s helped solidify its reputation as a truly national event, earning comparisons to the famed Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK. But unlike Goodwood, the Pittsburgh experience comes with a twist: “Where else can you race past architectural icons like the Phipps Conservatory or the Cathedral of Learning?” he said. “We have a historic city backdrop that you just can’t manufacture.”

This unique pairing of modern racing and Pittsburgh heritage is intentional. Dolan and his team are actively working to showcase Pittsburgh’s transformation from its steel-town roots to its current identity as a hub of education, medicine, and technology. “This event is not just about the cars,” he explained. “It’s a vehicle for promoting the city itself. Every frame of race footage we capture with the skyline or university buildings in the background tells a bigger story.”his year, university-built race cars from Carnegie Mellon, Pitt, Penn State, and West Virginia University will compete in a newly introduced hill climb through Schenley Park, engaging local engineering talent while highlighting Pittsburgh’s innovation ecosystem. “We’re bringing the next generation of racers and thinkers into the fold,” Dolan said.

Of course, the PVGP remains grounded in purpose. Over $7 million has been raised to support autism-related causes, including the Autism Society of Pittsburgh and local facilities for developmentally disabled children. “We’re not just racing for fun—we’re racing to make an impact,” said Dolan.

As the Visit Pittsburgh team suited up for ride-alongs, track tours, and engaging conversations, the message was clear: Pitt Race is more than a track. It’s a community engine, a cultural touchpoint, and a powerful ambassador for Pittsburgh.

“It’s world-class here,” Dolan concluded. “You’ve got rhythm on the track, world-class hospitality, and a welcoming team. It’s not just fast—it’s unforgettable.”

Stay tuned as Pitt Race and PVGP continue to elevate Pittsburgh’s place on the motorsports map—one story, one hill climb, and one event at a time.

Pitt Race welcomes legitimate media outlets to the next media day planned for September 19-21, 2025.

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