Get Your Motor Running

Maybe you dreamed of racing along the streets of Paris in a convertible with the warm wind in your  hair. That could still happen. But for the meantime, you can take a joy ride down memory lane this Wednesday when the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix caravan rolls into Market Square for a three-hour display of some of the classiest chassis around.

These hot wheels start rolling through the city from Heinz Field at 10 a.m. before parking in the Square about 30 minutes later. That means all you fantasy speed racers can check out what's under the hood of these retro rides that include 1930s sedans, Swinging Sixties roadsters and 1970s muscle cars. Sure, the Square is usually a pedestrian oasis. But we're waiving our no parking rule because these antique autos will be cooling their engines for a good cause.

You see, the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix has been running circles around Schenley Park in Oakland for the past 28  years to benefit the important work done by Autism Society of Pittsburgh and the Allegheny Valley School, which reaches out to youngsters and adults with developmental disabilities. When the rubber hits the road to help others, the Grand Prix team pushes the pedal to the metal for all the right reasons.

If you're looking for some fun, fun, fun — without daddy taking away your T-Bird — get your act in gear and steer yourself to the Square tomorrow afternoon to rev up your engine and maybe catch a bite to eat at the same time.

And don't forget to find a place at the starting line to watch the big event at Schenley Park on Sunday, July 25, when the Grand Prix drives start their engines and chase that checkered flag.