Participants, spectators and committee members call event huge success
By Lauren Parker- Gill, News Editor, The Times
Vintage motorcycles participated along with vintage cars, at the Invitational Grand Prix event in Coatesville Saturday.
COATESVILLE – Coatesville’s Grand Prix event got off to a roaring start Saturday with vintage cars and kick-start motorcycles beginning on South First Avenue and cruising along 2.2 miles of course throughout the city, where crowds of spectators gathered to watch.
The day began with the AFJROTC Color Guard from Coatesville Senior High School presenting the colors and Ashley Torrence an 11-grader, also from CASH, beautifully singing the national anthem.
The groups of cars included vintage racing cars, pre 1940 open wheel racing cars and race motorcycles.
Dave Baker of Willow Street, PA with his 1958 Lotus Super 7. Baker said his car topped out at about 80 – 90 miles per hour on the grand prix course.
Among those who raced was Dave Baker of Willow Street, PA with a 1958 Lotus Super 7. Baker said his car topped out at about 80 – 90 miles per hour during the grand prix.
“It was a fun day and a great moving car show.” Baker said.
Howard Wellens, a veterinarian from Philadelphia, PA drove a 1957 Turner that was converted into a racecar 15 years ago. Wellens has been working on his car for quite awhile and said the Grand Prix was the first time he had taken it out on the road.
“The turn out of cars was fantastic,” said Wellens. “It was a lot of fun.”
Former Philadelphia Eagles coach Dick Vermeil, who now lives in East Fallowfield, also participated Saturday by racing his father’s 1937 Miller Sprint Car in the pre 1940 open wheel category.
Vintage cars lined the two blocks of “Pit Row” of Lincoln Highway as each group prepared for their race.
East Fallowfield resident Randy Waltermyer attended Saturday’s event with his three young children and thought the Grand Prix was a great event for the city of Coatesville.
“It brought the community together to celebrate and enjoy a great American past time: racing cars. It was a phenomenal event for everyone from car enthusiasts to families just looking for a good time.” Waltermyer said.
City manager Mike Trio says the Grand Prix was a great success and that he has received many emails from drivers who want to participate again next year. Trio also said that the Grand Prix committee and Coatesville’s city council fully support running the event again.
