I am planning to attend this year with my kids. They are finally old enough. LAst summer I took them to a vintage race at VIR. They loved it. Anyone have recommendations on what events to see and where to camp?
I am planning to attend this year with my kids. They are finally old enough. LAst summer I took them to a vintage race at VIR. They loved it. Anyone have recommendations on what events to see and where to camp?
The PVGP really isn't set up for camping. The venue is located on a golf course. A hotel just outside of downtown Pittsburgh would be your best bet. I live about 2 hours away and on occasion spend Saturday night in town. Its not too bad as far as cost goes of the hotels.
On the other side of that coin, EVERYTHING on race weekend is at the golf course. There are shuttles that run pretty frequently around the track, and rarely a wait to use a port-a-potie.
If you havent checked them out on line: www.pvgp.org
On Saturday all of the car shows happen, plus practice and qualifying. You can walk for miles and see all kinds of machines.
Leo
In reply to Leo Basile: What price range are we talking about? $150 a night?
The event is down in Oakland, so there are some hotels not too far away because it is a college area. The Quality Inn University Center is not far away and has a Panera on the first floor and can be had for $90 - $125. There are a few others around, but a decent room will set you back well over $200/night.
If you have a car, I recommend staying outside of town. I am in the South Hills, and the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Pittsburgh - Green Tree is my usual referral. Prices are good, indoor pool, stuff for the kids to do, not too far away from some food options. That, or near the airport in the Robinson area. Huge outdoor shopping area with lots of hotels and a mall. Lot's of eating and shopping options out there. The Days Inn (Coraopolis, NOT Banksville Road) is actually pretty decent and really cheap. ($69/night) I would rather drive 10 minutes and be in a safer/cheaper/better area.
As for camping, for the racers there is some camping on-site, and they list Hart’s Campground, Beaver Falls, 724-846-0005, as 15 minutes from track. Other than that, my back yard is level, is full of kids toys, has a fire pit and is pretty much in the woods. You'd have access to a restroom and a couch if need be. It's yours if you want it.
As for the weekend, Saturday is all of the car shows and only practice races. Sunday are the races, but all of the car shows are gone. Hospitality tents have taken over all of the good viewing corners, so get there early and get a lawn chair up against the fence to stake out a decent spot.
There's also a PVGP historic race weekend July 12 & 13 at Pitt Race Complex, 1.5 mile road course:
http://www.pvgp.org/historics/
In reply to pinchvalve: Thank you so much. I need to get my ducks in a row. I'll give you plenty of warning ifmimtake you up on that. My girls will be 7 this summer.
I love downtown PGH. If you can swing staying downtown, go for it. Last time I was there I stayed at the hotel connected to the Consol Energy Center. Very walkable to downtown.
You can also stay around West Mifflin of Greensburg if you're ok with driving.
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