Pittsburgh Vintaage Grand Prix sets record donation $170,000

The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, Presented by Shop ‘n Save, Takes a Victory Lap, Sets Record for the Third Consecutive Year

Pittsburgh, PA - 2007 was another exciting year for the Grand Prix and its two charities. Through sponsorship, merchandise sales, donations and driver entries the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, presented by Shop ‘n Save, set a new annual donation record of $170,000 - the largest single donation in its 25-year history. The funds will be split equally between the Autism Society of Pittsburgh and Allegheny Valley School. This now brings the Grand Prix’s total donations to $2,250,000 since 1983 and marks the third consecutive year that a new donation record was set.

The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Association’s President and Race Director Mike Connolly was thrilled with the donation as well as the support of all the volunteers when he addressed the gathering, “Setting another donation record for our charities is very special. 25 years ago we never imagined this little one day race would grow into the country’s largest vintage race event spanning 10 whole days. As I look around the room I see so many friends who have worked by my side all these years…thank you from the bottom of my heart. But I am also very encouraged by the newer faces who can take us through the next 25 years.”

The October 24th check presentation is called the “Victory Lap”, because it was a unique opportunity for everyone involved in this successful event to relax and enjoy the recognition. Presenting Sponsor Shop ‘n Save Vice President Lou Krebs summed it up best when he said “Shop ‘n Save is proud to present such a successful and long-standing event. The Grand Prix contributes so much in the communities served by our independent retailers.” Shop ‘n Save has been the presenting sponsor of the nation’s largest vintage race event since 2001.

(left to right) PVGP President & Race Director Mike Connolly, Lou Krebs of Shop ‘n Save, Allegheny Valley School Ambassador Brandon Fisher, Bill Lipsky of Shop ‘n Save, Autism Society Ambassador Anita Iyengar, Allegheny Valley School President & CEO Regis Champ.

Ambassadors representing each charity; Anita Iyengar - Autism Society of Pittsburgh and Brandon Fisher - Allegheny Valley School were on hand to receive the $170,000 check. Funds raised help provide residential care, treatment and support for developmentally disabled individuals in the Pittsburgh region.

Over 175 people attended the October 24th check presentation at the Wyndham Hotel in Oakland, including Grand Prix volunteers, sponsors and supporters.

The Grand Prix has developed into a 10-day motorsport event that now includes two weekends of racing, a blacktie gala, road rallye and numerous car shows. For more information visit the official website http://www.pvgp.org/.

Since 1983 The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix has raised over $2.25 million for The Autism Society of Pittsburgh and Allegheny Valley School. Proceeds from the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix provide residential care, treatment and support for developmentally disabled individuals at the Autism Society of Pittsburgh and Allegheny Valley School.

Source: Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix.

Kimi Raikkonen wins Formula 1 Driver's Title at Brasil. Race review

With the season finale to the 2007 Formula One season, we have a new champion. Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen has been crowned with the 2007 Driver's Title at the Brazilion Grand Prix. Ferrari could have also won the Constructer's Title as well, but lost that to McLaren. Ferrari finished off the season woth 204 points to McLarens 218.

Ferrari teammate Felipe Massa, having started from pole and led much of the race, dutifully did the right thing by not trying to make a race of it as his team mate needed the 10 points for victory. Massa carried it off with dignity in front of his adoring countrymen.

The Williams team came to Brazil under pressure from Red Bull for their fourth place overall, and rose to the occasion magnificently as Nico Rosberg battled with and beat the BMW Saubers team of Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld in a fantastic battle that was sadly overshadowed by the world championship.

Fernando Alonso initially said he could hold the Ferraris off, but not when they really began to push their cars. Had his tranmission not shifted to neutral on the eighth lap, before resetting itself, Lewis Hamilton might still have had his crack at the title. As it was, he was able to fight back to seventh place, bringing his points tally equal to Alonso’s but taking second overall on countback on the strength of five second place wins to Alonso’s four.

Ferrari owned the race from the start, and Raikkonen's ability to run three laps longer in the second stint proved crucial as the new world champion sped home to a deserved sixth victory of the year.

All in all it was an excelent, action packed finale to the 2007 season.