Lehigh Valley Grand Prix

Hot Rods on Pebble Beach!!

admin — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 18:52:26 +0000

Hot Rods Heat Up the Concours

The annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance honors a uniquely American contribution to the automotive world — the hot rod — on a biennial basis. “Hot rods were the genesis of performance for the people, and hot rodding is an American thing, like jazz and baseball,” says Bruce Meyer, the enthusiast and car collector from Beverly Hills who convinced organizers to create the class in 1997. This year, nine cars made the trip to Monterey, and three rolled across the stage. However, the winning car — Eddie’s roadster — didn’t have enough ground clearance and owner Don Ferguson (who, like a true hot rodder, restored the car largely by himself), drove around the stage. Even in winning, hot rodders are a down to earth breed.

to see more click here.

The Roots of Racing

admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:25:49 +0000

On July 22, 1894, the Le Petit Journal organised what is considered to be the world’s first car race from Paris to Rouen. Sporting events were a tried and tested form of publicity stunt and circulation booster. Pierre Giffard, the paper’s editor, promoted it as a Competition for Horeseless Carriages (Concours des Voitures sans Chevaux) that were not dangerous, easy to drive, and cheap during the journey. 102 people paid the 10 franc entrance fee.

69 cars started the 50 km (31 mi) selection event that would show which entrants would be allowed to start the main event, the 127 km (79 mi) race from Paris to Rouen. The entrants ranged from serious manufacturers like Peugeot, Panhardor De Dion to amateur owners, and only 25 were selected for the main race. Count Jules-Albert de Dion was first into Rouen after 6 hours and 48 minutes at an average speed of 19 km/h.

The first auto race in the United States took place in Chicago, Illinois on November 28, 1895. The 54.36 mile (87.48 km) course ran from the South side of the city, north along the lakefront to Evanston, Illinois, and back again. Frank Duryea won the race in 10 hours and 23 minutes, beating three petrol-fueled motorcars.

The Milwaukee Mile is the oldest motor racing track in the world, with racing being held there since 1903. It was not, however, purpose built for motor racing, starting life as a one-mile (1.6 km) horse racing track in the 19th Century.

Art Ingels is generally accepted to be the father of karting. A veteran hot rodder and a race car builder at Kurtis Kraft, he built the first kart in Southern California in 1956.

The first kart manufacturer was an American company, Go Kart Manufacturing Co. (1958). McCulloch was the first company, in 1959, to produce engines for karts. Its first engine, the McCulloch MC-10, was an adapted chainsaw 2-stroke engine.Later, in the 1960s, motorcycle engines were also adapted for kart use.

New Whips!

admin — Wed, 26 May 2010 13:49:04 +0000

It is official, the new karts are being shipped this week! It is always exciting to get new toys. I hope all of our racers enjoy the new karts!! The Sodi GT5 karts are a new model of our exsiting GT3’s.

After some research for our track and trying out a couple of different models we found that this kart will be ideal for our facility. It provides a balance of protection and agility that will be fun to drive! Check them out at Sodi Kart USA.

~El Diablo

Did Ya Know?

admin — Tue, 18 May 2010 16:58:43 +0000

Did you know that LVGP is located in the original Mack Truck assembly building. Built in the early 1920’s this space was home to the assembly lines that built one of America’s greatest automobiles. If you live in the Lehigh Valley or surrounding region there is a good chance that a family member of yours has worked here.

Along the walls in the facility you can find photos of the space dating back to the 1920’s. These photos were donated by Mack Historical Society. On Thursday, May 20th the Allentown Economic Development Corporation is showcasing the facility as a renovation of a historic building. Click Here for details of the event.

~ El Diablo

Baltimore Grand Prix?

admin — Mon, 10 May 2010 14:56:17 +0000

The Indy racing league has given the ok, to hold a new event in Baltimore. Being raised in Baltimore this really excites me! The combination of a downtown race in Baltimore, Crabs and the Inner Harbor sounds like a perfect scene for the racing world! Sign me up as a spectator for the event. It looks like the event will be held in August of 2011. Hopefully, we will be still celebrating a Ravens superbowl victory at the race!

~El Diablo

Mother’s Day

admin — Tue, 04 May 2010 14:45:38 +0000

It is always challenging to get your mother something for Mother’s Day. What do you get someone that has given you life as well as put their heart in sole into seeing you succeed? I think the answer is the simple acknowledgement of appreciation…or a vacation

Obviously, we can’t all send mom to that tropical island even though I wish I could but make sure to show your love, send those flowers and make the call to show that you appreciate everything she has done.

We will be giving mom’s free racing all weekend for mother’s day to give our respects to the hard working women out there!! Happy Mother’s Day!

~El Diablo

The Oval

admin — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 14:10:53 +0000

Oval racing has a strong and rich history here in PA. If you turn left there is a good possibility you know about the drivers coming out of this region. To honor our customers at Lehigh Valley Grand Prix that enjoy turing left we have a night that is now dedicated to them.

LVGP has teamed up with Grandview Speedway to offer oval racing on Thursday nights. Ernie Saxton and the team at Grandview are excited for their fans and racers to have a venue to enjoy during their off days at the track.

This Thursday, 4/29, LVGP will be hosting its first ever oval racing night. Come enjoy a new feature at the regions favorite indoor racing facility!!

~El Diablo

Summer Racing Clinic

admin — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 14:23:06 +0000

LVGP is offering up a summer racing clinic for kids. There will be 2 programs offered over the summer. The dates are July 17-26 and August 2-6.

This program is designed to teach kids what it takes to become a great driver. It is amazing when you look across the board of the great racers. Many are engineers that understand the proper techniques of drivingbut also poses the knowledge of the equipment and the right attitude to be successful.

It is our goal to show children the importance of education, discipline and attitude to becoming a great racer!! For more information contact mikemccreary@lehighvalleygrandprix.com.

~El Diablo

Lehigh Formula SAE Team

admin — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 13:44:33 +0000

Many may not be aware that I am a Lehigh University graduate. I love my Mountain Hawks! It was not until after graduation and we opened up the track that I was made aware of the Lehigh Formula SAE Team.

This group of students from all different majors have one common thread and that is a love for racing! The team must raise money to build a formula style car for an international collegiate competition.

To learn more about the group or to donate to their cause Click Here.

~ El Diablo

Schumacher a test driver?

admin — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 13:36:20 +0000

To step into the shadow of one of the greatest drivers (Shumacher) of all time is not an easy task. Nico Rosberg has managed very well. With two consecutive podium finishes and finishing in the top 5 for the past 4 events Rosberg is making a case that he is currently the strongest driver for Mercedes GP.

What does this mean for Schumacher? Rosberg’s success could land Schumacher a role of pitting frequently to test different tire compounds to find the fastest setup during race time. Not a role the 7 time world champion expected with his big return.

~El Diablo