By Enrique Zuniga for Alfa Owner magazine
edits and additional details by Bernard Martin

Here's where you will find a list of the DRIVING events that will be going on at the 2019 Alfa Romeo Owners Club Convention.  With a theme entitled "Cortile della Corsa", the "Courtyard of Racing" promises to deliver some unique and memorable driving experiences.

Alfa Romeo is the SPOTLIGHT marque of the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix (PVGP) and Wednesday is the day in which the city of Pittsburgh stops to celebrate this magnificent annual tradition.

The map here depcits the parade route into the city.

Downtown Parade
Downtown Pittsburgh, only 20 miles from the convention hotel, is the place to be on Wednesday! The day begins with a morning Downtown Parade with Alfa Romeos leading the multi-marque event.  No where else in the country has there been an Alfa Romeo parade of cars into a major city with a police escort!  This is a very unique opportunity for only 40 Alfa Romeo's!  For those entering their Alfa, the cost is only $10 per car.

Downtown Car Show
Celebrations continue with the Downtown Car Show, which will have 40 Alfas on display at Point State Park. Point State Park is where the Headwaters of the Ohio River start with the convergence of the Allegheny River from the north and the Monongahela River from the south: It's the "Three Rivers" for which Pittsburgh is famous!

While there, note that this is a great opportunity for a quick visit to Fort Pitt Museum. Your entry payment for the Downtown Car Show display includes entry into the Fort Pitt Museum.

There are three other mixed marque downtown car shows that the PVGP is holding with celebrations at PPG Plaza, Market Square and US Steel Plaza.

Tune Up at Heinz Field
The day culminates with the evening PVGP Tune-Up Party at Heinz Field. Registration for this event has not yet opened so be sure to the check back on the PVGP Website or updates.

All vehicles that are parking in the Car Showcase must be preregistered and can begin to park at 5:00 pm. Enter from General Robinson Street – there are no other entrances. The bars will not open until 5:30 pm and the food will not be served until 6:15 pm but you are welcome to move in starting at 5:00 pm – please do not show up early, the street will not be closed and we are not permitted to block the street until 5:00 pm.

Time Trials
Track Day is always a special for all club members and this year it will take place at the Pittsburgh International Race Complex (PittRace), a 20-minute drive from the convention hotel. The track opens at 7 am and closes at 8 pm, but since it is in an urban area where noise restrictions apply, competitive driving hours are from 8:30 am until 5:30 pm. (Please note that convention plans to have all track activities concluded before 5 pm.) Spectators should note that there is a very comfortable second floor air-conditioned VIP room that overlooks the track below.

Time Trials are open to all cars (race cars, street cars, Alfas and other marques). There will be timed practice sessions in the morning, with the final Time Trial laps taking place in the afternoon. This is a fabulous opportunity to place your car on a fun, 13-turn, 1.6-mile road course, with elevation changes. Drivers arrive early in the morning to set-up their cars and attend the mandatory driver’s meeting. Cars and drivers are classified ahead of the event and placed into groups according to horse power as well as driver experience, but these groups may be adjusted after the first practice laps. Driving a car on a track is just great fun. Drivers may share a car

Autocross
The Autocross is also taking place at the track. It is open to all cars. Taking part in both the TT and the Autocross will not be an issue, even for those sharing a car. This is a traditional autocross, with AROC car classifications. Autocross laps around the cone-marked course take about 60 seconds, mostly in second gear, but are a blast to experience.

For those who have never driven a course or simply wish to learn the basics in a calm, non-intimidating setting we have created a Novice Only Group.  Novices’ times will not be announced and will only be recorded if the driver wishes so.  Experienced drivers will not be allowed in this group.  The Novice Group setting has proven very rewarding for those always wondering about autocross, but unsure about trying it out.

Important: All drivers who sign-up for Time Trials and/or Autocross will be contacted to go over all details regarding AROC car classifications and safety guidelines. Please note that due to the preparation that organizers must complete, drivers must be registered for these events by the first week of June.

Karting
Go-karts may be rented in 10-minute sessions to drive the track’s 0.82-mile circuit. There is a

Parade Laps
As is our tradition, the track will open around noon for all to drive a few laps around the course, but this year we are offering an “Enhanced Experience”.

All drivers and assengers will gather to hear an explanation about the track and how racers typically drive on it.  Attendees will understand what the red and white markings around the curves are for, what is an apex, what is the line, and what is meant when someone says, “you must slow down to go faster”.

Cars will drive the track in pre-arranged groups according to vehicle powerplant and driver experience.  Cars will take their laps following in single file behind a pace car driven by an experienced driver, familiar with the concepts presented.

TRA Members where able to experience luxury while helping parents and families in need this past holiday season.

The folks from Ron Lewis Alfa Romeo invited TRA members to Sienna on the Square on December 14 from 12:00-2:00pm to enjoy Italian cuisine, live music by Christina Chirumbolo, and test drive one the new Alfa Romeo Giulia's or Stelvio's.

For every test drive, Ron Lewis Alfa Romeo donated $20 to Christopher’s Kitchen.

Space is LIMITED.  You MUST RSVP to attend.  No Walk-ins are going to be permitted.  Please use the button button to make your reservation.

On the morning of November 11, the Three Rivers Alfisti visited Fowler Auto Street & Street who hosted a Meguiar's Detailing session from 9am until Noon.  At least that is what was scheduled. The event actually finished up around 1:30 in the afternoon! Dan Yaworski from Meguiar's was kind enough to answer many many questions that the group had regarding paint finishing.  

Fowler Automotive Street & Track provides auto service for sports & luxury cars as well as transport & trackside support for vintage race cars and teams. Dan Fowler started F.A.S.T Company in 2011 with the encouragement and support of the many race teams who have depended upon his expertise as a mechanic for over 50 years.

As a teenager, Dan restored the '67 Alfa 1600 and proceeded to promptly trade it in on a 1967 Alfa Romeo Duetto in 1969. Dan raced a 1966 Alfa Romeo Guilia Veloce 1600 in the early 1970's. 

In 1973 Dan attended the University of Pittsburgh and began work on his mechanical engineering degree but very quickly started working with the Pitt Race Team. It was called the "The Pitt Crew," with Bob Fryer driving a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro, and became the best known non-factory car in the Trans-Am series during that period.

In 1975 Dan became the first employee of the Auto Palace. The iconic Pittsburgh landmark for exotic and racing cars from 1975 until 1984.

​The Auto Palace was owned by Elvidio and Mario Grande and was originally called the Auto House (currently the Party House) until it moved to Baum Boulevard to become the iconic Auto Palace.  The building now hosts the "Scaife Auto Palace". 

By 1980 Dan was the highest trained Alfa Romeo technician in North America. 

In 1981, Dan purchased the first Alfa Romeo GTV in black. He sold it to none other than Mario Andretti and bought then bought the second black Alfa Romeo GTV ever produced.

Before we kicked off the Detailing session we where treated to some morning snacks and got to walk around the shop.  F.A.S.T Company not only provides support to many race teams but also serves as storage for the active vintage race cars.  TRA Members got the opportunity to walk around and learn about some really interesting race cars during our visit as well as some unique street cars.

The Folks at Ron Lewis Alfa Romeo put together a very nice little video compilation of some of their and our events since July 2017.  It includes the Giulia art car, the Cortile and the Polo Match.  Pretty amazing drone footage!  Check it out!

Jim, Gwen & Bernie met for  an Executive Board review meeting this morning.  

Overview

• Event plans for the rest of 2017 through 2018
• Club Treasurer & Club status
• Cortile Della Corsa

Below are the detailed notes on the discussion.  

We're looking for comments,suggestions & ideas from you! Don't be afraid to comment at the bottom of this page.  If you don't see a comments section, just click not the title and THIS page will re-load.

Gwen reports that the TRA account has been set up. We are still looking for a treasurer. We have a few more steps to complete to get the official recognition from the State including posting an announcement in local papers.  After that, it should be some pretty straight forward book keeping for our events.  Volunteers?  Stepnose on up!

Bernie and Jim have been working on a a proposal to host the 2019 Alfa Romeo convention here in Pittsburgh.  The Cortile Della Corsa is the initial name for the convention. It translates to "Courtyard of Racing".  Below is an initial draft version of the proposal plans.  If anyone has any insights, opinions or ideas please pass them along to us in the comments!

The Stelvio weighs 3,660 lbs with with a full tank of gas, which is less than it's model competitors the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Mercedes GLK and the Jaguar F-Pace. The Stelvio uses the same Giorgio platform used in the Giulia  and also shares the same engines and many of the mechanicals. It tracks bigger than the Giulia with a wider stance in the front by 2.1 inches  and rear by 1.1 inches. ​​

The Quadrifoglio, which was is not yet available is powered by a 505-hp 2.9-liter twin-turbo V-6 thatshares a lineage with the V8s currently used by Ferrari in the 488 and California T . The Quad is spec'd to have a 0-60 time of 3.9 seconds with Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes to slow you down from the 177mph top speed.
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The weight distribution is 50/50 between the two axleS. The aerodynamic coefficient is 0.30. 

The AlfaLink suspension is a double wishbone front, multi-link rear aluminium suspension. Springs are longer than the Giulia, but stiffer to counteract the extra height. Driver sit about 7.5 inches higher from the road than in Giulia.  

Originally scheduled to be staged outside, Gwen Lewis arranged for there to be ideal SUV test drive conditions. The rain poured down and members got the chance to experience the capabilities of the Stelvio in full wet conditions. ​

The car takes it's name from The Stelvio Pass in Northern Italy. It's a majestic and daunting driving experience, with a mountainous terrain and hairpin curves that challenge even the bravest of drivers.​ The Stelvio Pass mountain is at an elevation of 9,045 ft above sea level. It's the highest paved mountain pass in the Eastern Alps. At the crest you encounter the “Peak of the Three Languages” – where the borders of Switzerland, Austria and Italy once met. 

It wa​s originally carved out through an impassable section of terrain 10 months of the yea to increase trade between Switzerland and Venice. The construction of the road was completed in 1825. It has changed little since then. It's 75 kilometers long and that coincides with the number of turns you would encounter.  It remains too brutal for most modern commercial vehicles. ​

Inspired by this great driving road, Alfa Romeo engineers and artisans set out to imagine, design and craft a truly Italian SUV. 

Hartwood Acres  4000 Middle Rd, Allison Park, Pennsylvania 15101

 Marianne Fenoglietto and Jim Shaw started discussing the idea of creating an AROC chapter in Western Pennsylvania.  ​Marianne's family had donated a wonderful Alfa Romeo cake to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Alfa Romeo, the "Alfa Century", and Jim Shaw was the Chef for the Cortile.  Both owned Spiders and suggested doing some driving events to gage some interest.  ​

In celebration of Alfa Romeo's return to Pittsburgh, Gwen Lewis commissioned an Art Car during the PVGP's midweek celebration, that highlighted local artist Dave O'Brien's Live Painting with Giulia at Market Square and featured Andy Warhol on the hood.

The Three Rivers Alfisti officially launched at the Cortile Italian Car Show Saturday July 15, 2017. 

Howard West's Sprint Speciale was on display at the 2017 show, and Don Wannagat's' Alfa was on the track both weekends bringing AROC history in along the Three Rivers full circle.