In what started 26 years ago as a single day of racing on Pittsburgh’s Schenley Park, has blossomed into a 10-day event. This year included a kick-off rallye, two days of racing at the local Beaver Run Road Course, two days of car shows, race cars and show cars in a parade in downtown Pittsburgh, and a happy hour and auction at the popular downtown restaurant Bossa Nova.

All of these events lead up to the main event – the very large car show on Saturday, July 19. Saturday also included practice and qualifying for Sunday’s six classes of racing.

This year’s marque was all Italian cars. This was clearly the largest display of Italian cars ever to be displayed at the PVGP. Approximately 15 Maseratis were displayed, including two racecars. William van Huystee raced his 1932 8C300/M and Charles Schwimer raced his replica 1964 Tipo 151. There was also a 1959 OSCA F Jr. raced by Donald Dingman from Underhill, VT.

Tom Zebrasky brought a spectacular 1971 gold Ghibli. This car still has its original paint and it was as good as most newly restored cars. Tom’s shop, Catz Auto Restoration, just completed a complete new interior for this car the day before this event. Joe Corbacio drove his beautiful black Ghibli from Hershey, Pennsylvania – a round trip of 350 + miles. Chuck Finfrock, wife Lisa, and sons Ben and Peter drove their Biturbo from the Washington D.C. area; we look forward to seeing their Quattroporte III at future east coast events. Other Maserati owners that attended were Matt and Debbie Kasap (‘05 Coupe), Pavin Gammol (‘02 Coupe) and Greg Vanscoy (‘02 Coupe). There were several other Maseratis that arrived on Sunday, but we were unable to locate their owners during the very large event.

Craig Shepperly from the new dealership, Maserati of Cleveland, brought two new Quattroportes. This dealer was a major sponsor for the event and is an easy two-hour drive from Pittsburgh, so this is our local dealer for service for the newer cars.

The weather was beautiful, but hot, on both days. Sunday’s races were interrupted briefly for a heavy rain shower. The last three races were run on a wet track. This did not seem to affect the speed or competitiveness of the racing.

This event is free to the public, only show and racecar owners pay a fee. This is an all-volunteer event and all money raised from entry fees and program/poster sales goes to local charities.

We highly recommend that Maserati Club International members attend this event, you will not be disappointed.

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