Leading into its third consecutive year, Vintage Kart Company is excited to announce this fall’s Grand Prix of Scottsdale will return on Nov. 3-5, to the Scottsdale Waterfront. The streets of Downtown Scottsdale will transform into a picturesque 21st century version of the Roaring 1920s as over 20,000 attendees from across the Valley will gather to partake in the three-day Gatsby experience. Racing teams are given the opportunity to custom-design their own Vintage Racers through Mesa-based Vintage Kart Company and compete against friends, colleagues and corporate rivals. The official race day on Sunday, Nov. 5 will commence at 10 a.m. and conclude at 4 p.m.
The Grand Prix of Scottsdale weekend will kick-off with an open to the public nighttime affair, the “Gatsby Under the Stars Gala” on the Scottsdale Waterfront Bridge where drivers will be able to display their Custom Vintage Racers, mix and mingle with the competition, and enjoy food and libations. The gala will benefit two-year charity partner Southwest Human Development, Arizona’s largest nonprofit dedicated to early childhood development, and will also feature the third annual “It’s a Date!” Singles Auction to support the Care Fund. Auction attendees will have the opportunity to bid on 15 influential Valley singles and their specially designed dream dates to benefit the families supported by the local charity. Southwest Human Development will also be hosting the Gatsby Garden Parties on Saturday and on Sunday during race day. Party attendees will be able to sample a variety of beers, wines, cocktails and food in a culinary event atmosphere.
The morning of the Grand Prix, driving teams can attend the ‘Dine & Drive’ trackside breakfast where a special unveiling of the 2017 Grand Prix Winner’s Cup will be presented. Scottsdale Mayor, Jim Lane, will serve as the flagman for the main event race where 40 Custom Vintage Racers will be speeding around the track with teams up to six drivers. Local artisans, restaurants and businesses will have the opportunity to participate by adapting to the 1920s-era and, if racing, display their own Custom Vintage Racer in honor of their local business. The Grand Prix of Scottsdale will serve as an opportunity to exalt the automobile pioneers before us, the grand history of the City of Scottsdale, and the local business owners that fuel the community today.
“It’s incredible to see how much the Grand Prix of Scottsdale has evolved in only two years, now one of the largest single-day events in the downtown area,” said Sean Gillespie, Grand Prix of Scottsdale Co-Producer. “In our third year, we are experiencing more support from the local community than ever before and we anticipate 2017’s event to be even better than last year with phenomenal partners, returning race teams, and encouragement from the people who have continually believed in this heritage experience.”
This year, the race course measures over a half mile and will weave through the landmarks and retail venues of Downtown Scottsdale, starting on the Marshall Way Bridge at the Scottsdale Waterfront and finishing where it began. Driving teams and will watch racing action from “Pit Row” and other VIP viewing areas. The Grand Prix event is free to the public.
The Grand Prix of Scottsdale will conclude with a Vintage Victory Awards ceremony sponsored by Victory Beer at the Scottsdale Waterfront Bridge. The sponsored celebration will incorporate the presentation of the VKC Victory Grill Trophy, awards for the second and third-place race teams and a medal for the fastest individual lap.
