Owner's Club News |
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The Three Rivers Alfisti will be supporting the Rally Accross America effort with two upcoming events:
All of the proceeds from both of these events with be contributed to the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix charities. Be sure to register ASAP! We will be posting more information on these events with details we get closer. Below is an article from Hagerty Insurance that explains more about the Rally Accross America.  Lilly Pray has a passion for cars, and now she’s channeling that energy into an organized drive that will give back to the community. Lilly, a nurse in Boulder, Colorado, serves an ambassador for Rally Across America, a grassroots organization whose goal is to raise more than $1 million for nonprofit groups across the U.S. As a frontline medical worker and car lover, the fundraising tour is right in Pray’s wheelhouse, and it all started with her dad. Malcom Pray Jr. was a successful car dealer and well-known collector who gave generously to the Boy Scouts, Boys and Girls Club, Red Cross, USO, and other local charities in Greenwich, Connecticut.  “My father taught me how to drive classic cars,” she says of Malcom, who passed away in 2013. “If I wanted to spend time with my dad, it was in the garage with him, as well as attending a lot of auctions and concours events. “I’ve been a concours judge for many years, and it is probably how I made my dad the proudest when I started judging at Hilton Head Concours 19 years ago. He instilled in me a great sense of giving and giving back to my community,” she says. Lilly Pray began working in the medical field in 1987, first as volunteer, which led to a career as a firefighter/paramedic. She became an RN in 2010 and volunteers as a victim advocate for the Boulder Police Department. “My brother died in a car crash in 1986,” she says of Malcolm Pray III. “It was a life changing event. My life motto has been always to ‘help the weaker hikers on their journey.’ So as an EMS provider, and now a RN, I guess I’m still helping the weaker hikers and holding their hands in whatever way I can.” She jumped at the opportunity to help Rally Across America, which hosted its inaugural drive on June 7, with proceeds going to the Connecticut Foodbank. A total of 41 cars took part, with each driver donating the suggested $100. Lilly says the idea began with her friends Frank Taylor and Wendy and Jim Petty, who organized the drive as a way to recognize and give to 501(c)3 nonprofits in their area that have greatly suffered during the COVID-19 lockdown. Pray happened to be in Connecticut at the time, so she immediately registered her 1987 Porsche 911. Since Rally Across America hopes to have ambassadors in every state (and average eight drives per state), she took the lead for Colorado. The first drive that Pray is organizing is set for June 28, beginning and ending in Boulder. Her chosen beneficiary is the Denver-based Morgan Adams Foundation, which raises funds for pediatric cancer research. “The MAF holds the best four-hour concours in the world,” she says, “and they had to cancel their annual major fundraiser on August 24 due to the ongoing events with COVID.” She has planned two other drives for July 26 and August 16. They will follow a route “into the foothills of the mountains—an easy 60-mile drive lasting 3–4 hours.” As a registered nurse, Lilly is well aware of the possible negative ramifications of any gathering, so social distancing guidelines will be observed. “We just want to get out in our cars and help the nonprofit community,” she says.  She’ll be driving the 1959 Porsche Convertible D that she has owned for 25 years. If you’re sensing a Porsche pattern here, you’re onto something. Lilly’s daughter is named Portia. Pray says Rally Across America events are planned in six states so far, including one later this year, organized by Barn Find Hunter Tom Cotter, that will travel country roads from Charlotte, North Carolina, to Virginia International Speedway and include a parade lap on the track. Details are forthcoming. “Driving cars makes me happy,” Lilly says. “My car friends really are my family, and there is nothing as fun as gathering for a family reunion—whether it’s at a concours event, a 1000-mile drive, or a short day-run with friends.” Rally Across America ambassadors are being sought in every state. If you’re interested in becoming an ambassador or joining a ride near you, contact Lilly Pray at LillyPrayRAA@gmail.com. Three Rivers Alfisti EventsHere are the links to both of our club events. Sign up for one of both! Staggerwinging with Catz Tour Aug 29
$60.00
Saturday, August 29, "Staggerwinging with Catz Tour" is part of the Rally Across America Tour to raise money for charities. 100% of your fee will be given to the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Charities. The Tour will start at Maserati of Pittsburgh and take a series of backroads over the border into Ohio where we will tour one of the premier Beech Staggerwing aircraft restorers in the country. We will then travel over to Catz Auto Restoration for a tour of his Jagaur and Italian car restorations and we will grill some food on the incredible lakefront lawn. We will be joined by the NE Ohio AROC Chapter as well as the Ferrari Club of America Western Pa Chapter and Ferrari Club of America Ohio Chapter. Individual Clubs will need to collect money for the cookout. Details to follow as we get closer. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO JOIN IN THE RALLY AND NOT PART OF THE ALFA ROMEO CLUB, YOU CAN OBTAIN A ONE DAY MEMBERSHIP IN AROC. This is open to Ferrari, Fiat, Lancia & Maserati Club members. If your club would like to join us please contact Bernard Martin, Rally Across America Ambassador, with questions 412.996.5700 or bernie@concoursllc.us We will have printed out maps and a link to one of two apps that you can view the route on your phone. My Route (Android & iPhone) & Rallista (iPhone only) Over the River Tour July 11
$60.00
Join us for for our July "Over the River" Tour! This is part of the Rally Across America Tour series to benefit local charities. 100% of the $60/per car fee is going to be donated to the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix and their charities.
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 The Alfa Romeo Owners Club 2020 National Convention hosted by the Alfa Club of the Rockies was postponed until July 2021. Along with just about every other organization in the world, AROC has looked for ways to keep our membership engaged with the cancellations and/or postponements of National and Chapter events. Those ways have consisted of Chapter level Zoom meetings, Detroit Chapter's Zoom tech sessions, posting of those tech sessions on the new AROC YouTube channel, AROC Chapter Presidents Zoom with the AROC Board, and now a new type of virtual event is on the way with the intention for all AROC members to have an opportunity to engage with other members.
COncorso Virtuale Italiano Dell’automobile 2020 The name of the event is COncorso Virtuale Italiano Dell’automobile 2020. AROC Director Doug Zaitz came up with the title name for the event that kept it related to the COVID-19 virus causing all the schedule changes. AROC Director John Justus began putting the online car show together along with input from AROC Director Arno Leskinen AROC National is going to present a web based “virtual not a concours” car show. This will be available for all AROC members who would like to display their Alfa(s) in an online virtual concours setting. AROC members will then be asked to vote on a Winner for each class and a Best of Show overall winner. The voting will be done online, like our Board of Director elections, and the awards will be presented at the AROC Virtual Convention w/Business Meeting & Board Officer election on July 25. 2020 and the results will also be announced in the September issue of the Alfa Owner. COVID-2020 Classes Alfas through 1995 – 4 classes
COVID-2020 Rules
Eligibility: Open to any current AROC member and their immediate family. Entry Information needed:
Questions & Answers Below you will find answers to questions already asked by AROC members and hopefully this will help you with while entering your Alfa in the COncorso Virtuale Italiano Dell’automobile 2020. How many photos can I have?
Make plans to join us this January 16 for the Post Holiday party at the Doubletree Hilton in Cranberry Twp. PA from 6pm - 10pm, Thursday January 16, 2020
Check out the Alfa Owner October issue with a jam packed full series of articles about the Cortile Della Corsa 2019 AROC Convention hosted by our Three Rivers Alfisti Club. Reporting is by Dave Hammond and Bob Abhalter. In some cases, I've linked back to the convention pages so you can see all of the schedule details in case you don't recall when reading the articles.
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. Wednesday, July 17 Pittsburgh Parade, Car Show and Tune-Up at Heinz Field  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.  Thursday, July 18 Track Day Time Trials, Autocross, Karting and Parade Lap The Pittsburgh International Race Complex is the same track that the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Historic Races is held the weekend before our convention starts. All of todays afternoon events are going to be held at the track.  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. Friday, July 19 Gimmick Rally and Welcome Dinner Reception  Gimmick Rally The traditional Gimmick Rally will leave from the convention hotel. There will be a mandatory driver’s meeting in the morning and cars will leave at 60 second intervals starting at 10 am. (There is a limit of 90 cars.) The actual driving time is between 90 and 120 minutes, depending on how the driver and navigator handle the questions. A Picnic Lunch at Moraine State Park, with a Jeep display is included with the Rally. (Butler County is the birthplace of the Jeep!) Please note that those not partaking in the Rally may register and drive directly to the state park for the Picnic Lunch and Jeep display.  Welcome Reception & Strolling Dinner Those displaying a car during the Car Show weekend will to drive to the Pittsburgh Golf Club on Friday evening, and have the car pre-staged. The car show will be held on the Golf Course grounds. Organizers will show you exactly where your car will be displayed and deliver all the items you need for the Car Show weekend, including dash cards, lanyards badges and Cortile Car Show goody bags. Remember that you dash card and badges are VERY IMPORTANT! You will need them to gain admission to events all weekend so don't lose them At the same time, not just AROC members displaying a car but all AROC members are encouraged to attend the AROC Welcome Reception and Strolling Dinner (6 to 9 pm), which will take place at the Pittsburgh Golf Club. Prizes for those who took part in the Track Day competitions will be announced and presented at the Welcome Reception and Strolling Dinner.   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. Three Rivers Alfisti club members have been graciously extended an invitation to participate in an Alfa Romeo Holiday Luncheon on December 14, 2017 at Sienna on the Square in Market Square in Downtown Pittsburgh. There is only room for 50 people so you MUST RSVP at the link below to attend.
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. If you would like to make a donation to Christopher's Kitchen you can do it at the event or you can click the link above to make a direct donation via their website.
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.
About Dan Fowler & F.A.S.T. Company Dan Fowler working on an Alfa Romeo in the late 70's
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.  1966 Alfa Romeo Guilia Veloce 1600 before & after a race
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. Coffee, Donuts & the Race Car Museum Tour
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.
Digging into the Detailing with Dan Yaworski from Meguiar's
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
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.  Event Calendar 2017-2018
Treasurer & Organization Set upGwen 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! Cortile Della CorsaBernie 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! |
NewsHere you will find the details about upcoming and past events as well as member profiles. Archives
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