Drivers Cruise to Victory at Coatesville Invitational Vintage Grand Prix

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Coatesville Invitational Vintage Grand Prix
Image via Lisa Thomas.
From left: Donald Folks of Coatesville City Council, Brian Hoskins Trophy recipient Jim Frank, and Clay Kovatch from Brian Hoskins Ford.

Thousands of spectators lined the streets of Coatesville to cheer on nearly 50 drivers and riders of vintage cars and motorcycles as they charged through the city during the Fifth 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 2.2-mile road course, complete with old-style straw bales.

The weekend kicked off with a sellout crowd at the PrixView Party on Thursday 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.

On Saturday, Jim Frank of Pylesville, Md., 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 of Northfield, Mass. – 1971 BMW Sidecar
  • Dave Roper of Hicksville, N.Y. – 1946 Moto Guzzi Dondolino

Auto

  • James Quade of Wilmington, Del. – 1938 Riley
  • Artie Conk of Scotch Plains, N.J. – 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.

“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,” said 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.”

Learn more about the Coatesville Invitational Vintage Grand Prix.

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