The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix (PVGP) is a motorsport event and charity fundraiser held every summer in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Since it began in 1983, it has grown into the largest vintage street race in the United States. Historic and classic cars compete on a challenging 2.33 mile road course that winds through Schenley Park. The PVGP is more than just racing. It is a ten day celebration with car shows, parades, rallies, and parties across the city, all while raising money for autism and intellectual disability charities.

This year I was fortunate to receive a media pass that allowed me access to the track and other areas closed to spectators. The forecast leading up to the weekend looked discouraging. Heavy rain was predicted for race day and the five hour drive from Richmond to Pittsburgh was starting to feel like a gamble. Fortunately, the night before the event the forecast improved to only a small chance of showers.

I arrived at the track an hour before media check in and walked through the pit to scout potential photo angles. Once I picked up my pass I continued exploring the course. Because the PVGP takes place inside a city park, there are limits to where you can stand. Some corners are roped off and others can only be reached by hiking through wooded areas. That left a few tight corners, a few wide turns, and the finish line, which was not in the best spot for spectators to view.

In many motorsport events you see photographers lined up with long telephoto lenses. I thought about bringing one since I had never covered this event before. Once the races began I realized I did not need it and in truth I did not want it. For me, mobility is the most important factor when shooting. Carrying too much gear slows me down and distracts me from finding the best shots.

I decided to work with only my 50 millimeter and 85 millimeter lenses. This choice gave me two big advantages. First, I could fit all my gear in a small backpack along with water and snacks. Second, it forced me to see the race differently than the majority of photographers. When you are one of many, finding a way to stand out is always an advantage.

A green race car with a number 523 on the side, moving quickly on a racetrack with a blurred background of trees and grass.
A vintage race car with the number 6 and Gulf oil livery parked on a grassy area with a white event tent behind it. In the background, a tall building and another race car with the number 22 are visible, partially obscured by a tree.
A vintage race car parked on a grassy area in front of a conservatory with glass domes and structures under a cloudy sky.
A classic car racing on a winding road in a park, with trees and people standing and watching in the background, black and white photograph.
Close-up of a vintage race car with the number 28A and the name Brian Dolan on the side, parked on a paved surface with leaves partially visible in the foreground.
A black and white photo of a vintage race car on a track, with motion blur indicating high speed, and a blurred tree in the foreground.
A vintage racing car painted in light blue with orange accents, parked on grass in front of tall plants and trees.
Black and white photograph of a vintage race car with the number 56, speeding on a race track among trees.
Black and white photo of a vintage race car with the number 22 on the side, parked on grass with trees in the background.
A brightly colored race car speeding along a road, partially obscured by foliage in the foreground, with another race car in the background.
Black and white photo of a vintage race car with number 73 speeding on a racetrack, partially obscured by trees in the foreground.
View of a curved street with hay bales positioned along the sidewalk, some decorated with signs and objects, partially visible through tree branches.
A vintage race car with colorful paint and a 'TOYO TIRES' banner on the windshield drives on a winding road through a park-like setting, with hay bales and a sign visible along the roadside.