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.

Below please find the award winners for Time Trials, Autocross, Karting, the Rally, The PVGP Showfiled winners and the Certificato d'Oro winners!

The 2019 Alfa Romeo Owner’s Club Convention is going to be a unique event in the annuls of AROC Conventions. Alfa Owner has covered most all of the plans that make this years convention consistent and familiar with past AROC conventions. In this final installment, we’re going to cover some of the reasons why you should probably come early and stay later than you would at previous conventions because this one has some events that have never happened before.

The theme of the 2019 convention is the “Cortile della Corsa”, the “Courtyard of Racing”. In the entire history of the club there has not been a convention who’s theme has paid homage to Alfa’s Racing History.  Holding it in conjunction with the longest running racing event on city streets in North America seems apropos.

The Convention takes place in conjunction with the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, the “PVGP”. It’s the nation’s largest vintage street race with 10 days of racing, car shows, parties, parades and motorsport events. The 2019 celebration is the 37th annual race through the streets of Schenley Park. 18 holes of Golf Course with 17 individual car shows. All segmented by country and marque.  Just over 4000 cars. Attributed as being the 8th largest car show in the world. But the cars shows are more like a tailgate party for the race, albeit with judging going on at many of the shows.  

The PVGP is also a charity event - with a mission to produce a world-class vintage automotive event to raise funds for autistic and intellectually/developmentally disabled individuals in the Pittsburgh region. Because of the generous support from volunteers and sponsors the PVGP has donated $5.5 million since 1983, including a record $410,000 last year.  You should know that $6 from each night of your stay is going to support the PVGP charities.  

The PVGP was founded in 1983, with the help of volunteers from the Sports Car Club of America and the Vintage Sports Car Club of America.  Entrants then and now race on what has become known as one of the most challenging vintage courses in the country. It’s on city streets. It’s an off-camber, mid-crested center, four story high bridges, 300 foot deep ravines, lichen encrusted stone walls with hairpins and serpentines  that make it a white knuckle drive for even experienced drivers.  It’s challenging. As David Hobbs once told me, “I raced there, not under my own name of course” No-one from the modern era of racing wants to be compared to Fangio or Nuvolari. But they still want to drive here.  And you get to enjoy the entire spectacle on Sunday from Turn 9 on the course.  

Turn 9 on the race course is the VIP area for Cortile participants.  It’s the site of the tree-lined and shady Westinghouse Pond. Designed in the 1930’s, the bronze monument and the surrounding landscape, including the pond, trees, and black granite benches surround the the sculptures: The bronze “The Spirit of American Youth,” the figure of a young man taking inspiration from the life of Westinghouse, described by art critics as “the finest portrayal of American boyhood.” The center portion of the monument depicts Westinghouse between a mechanic and an engineer.  

On Sunday afternoon, you’ll enjoy the views as the racers come straight at you, jockeying for position as they enter into the near hairpin apex directly in front of the statue. If they've set themselves up correctly, you’ll see them pass as they exit up through the green tunnel of trees. If not, you’ll hear the groan of gears as the transmission has to once again take a follower position.  Sunday is race day.  Sunday is “Wine on 9”. The wine tasting is courtesy of Bob Mazza at Mazza Vineyards. You may just meet Bob and his 4C taking in some laps at Time Trials on Thursday.   Bob has created a special gift set of bottles just for the the Cortile della Corsa Convention that you’ll be sampling during the opening ceremonies and parade that starts right at Turn 9.  That’s why you should stay later than you do at most other conventions! It’s Vintage Racing at it’s very finest. It’s what you parents and grandparents watched in the 1920’s and 30’s and you won’t see it anywhere else in the country quite like Pittsburgh!

Why should you arrive early?
Wednesday starts with a Downtown Parade. The day begins with a morning 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! The Alfa Romeo parade culminates in a 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! For those not displaying a car it’s a great site to visit in the public park.

Point State Park was the home to the French Fort Duquesne and later the British Fort Pitt.  It’s the site where The Seven Years War got underway.  It was the First Global War ever fought and involved every European great power of the time and spanned five continents, affecting Europe, the Americas, West Africa, India, and the Philippines. It was started when a 22 year old Lt. Colonel George Washington ambushed a small French force just south of Pittsburgh on May 28, 1754. You can read about the Forts inside the rampart Museum, right at The Point.  

Pittsburgh is a walking city. Lots to see. Be sure to check out the other three PVGP Car show locations just a few blocks away in historic Market Square and in the glass “cathedral” of PPG Plaza and the US Steel Building Plaza.  You can also just register for a  “Just Ducky” Duckboat Tour, see the shows, and even more of the city, from the water.  Speaking of, stay hydrated! Because Wednesday night is the PVPG’s Tune Up Party, dubbed the first or second best society page party of the year since it’s inception and Alfa Romeo has a featured spot!

Friday night is a strolling dinner reception at the historic Pittsburgh Golf Club. The Club, established in 1896, boasts a rich history. Andrew Mellon, Henry Clay Frick and Philander C. Knox were among the Club’s early members. A strolling dinner is a variety of delicious courses that will be brought out by servers as you are mingling throughout the facility and balcony of the club. 

The Alfa Romeo race drivers are invited to bring their race cars up from the paddock, just over the hill, for the evening celebration allowing you to meet them and check out their cars while they check our yours.  Friday is when we are going to pre-stage all of the Alfa’s so we look great for the 250,000 people that will wander about the park on Saturday and Sunday where Alfa Romeo is The Spotlight Car for the 2019 PVGP.  We’ll make any needed adjustments to parking that evening.  It’s also a great opportunity for those without an Alfa to get an idea where the public parking is for the next two days.  All of the PVGP Events during the weekend are free admission to the public, much like the entire park has been since it became public in 1910.  

Saturday, is Alfa Romeo judging, but it’s also judging for the Cortile Italian Car Show.  There will be a multi marque award winners for the Cortile announced at noon in the clubhouse and the winners will be asked to move their cars to the Winners Circle, around the 17th hole. Enjoy lunch inside the air conditioned historic landmark and drinks at the cash bar.  The Weekend pass for people displaying their cars is $150 which includes some great goody bags stuff, parking and lunch for both days for two people.  Additional lunches, and for those not driving an Alfa is $35 person. But that gets you lunch on Saturday and Sunday and a VIP Pass to “Wine on 9” Sunday.

On Saturday afternoon, you’re probably going to want to wander around the other 17 car shows at the PVGP and stop every once in a while to watch the qualifying.  


Be sure to check out British Car Day with over 750 cars.  It’s only there on Saturday.  The race track runs right through the car shows so you’ll be able to see the cars on the track.  You may even want to wander over to the Mini Track Rides and book some time to go around the track with some race drivers.  S

Saturday night is the banquet back at the DoubleTree Hilton host hotel, but don’t have too much fun, because you want to arrive early enough on Sunday to take a shuttle down to the PVGP Paddock and get back to the VIP Area at “Wine on 9” by 11am for the opening ceremonies! Then it’s time for an afternoon of vintage racing from the best viewing spot on the track.

Pittsburgh native Tony Sikorski sculptures will be featured at the the 2019 Alfa Romeo Owner's Club Convention to be held at the Doubletree Hilton in Cranberry Twp, PA.  Tony is working on some special pieces just for the Cortile della Corsa event. He will have his art work on display in the art room at the Convention and also at the Cortile Italian Car Show tent at the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix.

Tony Sikorski, after winning a scholarship at the Ivy Art Institute of Graphic Design in Pittsburgh, began his advertising career in 1963. In 1976, he started his own business and has since created graphic designs and illustrations for numerous well-known companies throughout the United States. In addition to his accomplishments in graphic arts, Tony has had a love affair with the automobile for as long as he can remember.

The 1930's, Formula 1, and old racing cars have found a special place his heart. Using corrugated cardboard as a medium, he began creating one of a kind sculptures in 1995 and has recently been using wood as a medium. Tony's award-winning corrugated classics have been displayed at numerous invitational motor sports art exhibitions.

Along with that, his ability to capture power, speed, and motion of the automobile has resulted in sculptural commissions in both corporate and private sectors, and his work has also earned feature presentations in Car Collector, Robb Report, Mobilia. Automobile Magazine, AutoWeek, and Classic and Sportscar Magazine.

Notably, Classic and Sportscar magazine esteems Tony Sikorski as one of the top 20 motoring artists of the past 20 years. The list of Tony's awards in automobile design grew considerably in the previous decade. In 1995 and again in 2002), he placed first at the Midwest Concours d' Elegance in Cincinnati Ohio.

The Gilmore Classic Car Museum's Concours in Gilmore, Michigan, honored him with the Award of Excellence for three consecutive years (1996- 998), Sikorski won the coveted John Burgess Award: Best Show at the Daimler Chrysler Meadow Brook Historic Races.

Remembering the achievements of the 90's and moving into further creative endeavors in this new millennium, Tony continues to enjoy notoriety in automobile design. In May of 2000, he was invited to the Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance Invitational Artist Exhibition in Rochester, Michigan.

Honors came again in 2001 as Tony received the Struthers MacMinn Award: Best Show at Meadow Brook. In 2002, he won the Stanley Wanlass "Spirit of the Automobilist" Award at Meadow Brook. Continuing in that true "spirit of the automobilist" and still enjoying a love affair with the automobile, Tony is currently working on new and creative projects.

Tony Sikorski’s Latest Sculptures Explore The Stunning Shapes Of Automobiles For 2016 Pebble Beach Concours
August 9, 2016 Automotive Fine Arts Society,

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. – Aug. 08, 2016 – Automotive Fine Arts Society (AFAS) member Tony Sikorski will test conventions of automotive art with his sculptures at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance® on Sunday, Aug. 21, 2016, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., in Pebble Beach, California. A master of crafting automobiles in a never-before-seen way, Sikorski is known for simplifying the shape of the automobile into pure design elements and then adding unique twists.  <READ MORE>

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.

By Enrique Zuniga

Even as a convention advisor it is not often that one has an opportunity to visit the venues of an upcoming convention, so when I received an invite to attend an evening convention planning meeting late last fall, I did not hesitate… and the visit quickly became an overnight stay at the convention hotel with a preview of what was in the works for our annual AROC gathering.

I fired up the Spider engine at 5am on the day of the meeting, setting off for the six-hour drive from northern NJ to Pittsburgh via the route with the most curves – the one that cuts through the mountains, of course… It’s always a joy to hear the engine purr turn into a roar as the nimble bella macchina cuts through the curves and cold morning air as the sun keeps rising.

Despite the forecasted possible rain that materialized into a full snow for forty-five minutes, I made it on time to the first venue: DoubleTree by Hilton Pittsburgh Cranberry hotel.

Upon exiting the Spider I met my host: convention organizer and Pittsburgh chapter secretary, and 2019 Convention Chairman, Bernie Martin. I had spoken with Bernie many times over the phone and via video conference, but this was the first time we got to shake hands. As we stepped into the hotel lobby, I was taken in by the spacious feel and natural bright light afforded by the modern, totally open, layout.

The lobby, lounge, dining room and bar are completely unobstructed from any view point and the elevator’s glass wall allows for panoramic observation while riding up five stories. As we toured the hotel’s meeting rooms and business facilities, I took note of the gym, as well as an indoor pool and another pool outdoors. My room was impeccable, and my overnight stay would turn out to be most pleasant.

When we exited the hotel, Bernie pointed out that we were only 20 minutes from the second venue on our list: Pittsburgh International Race Complex. This re-modeled site offers perhaps the most comfortable setting we’ve ever had for our traditional Track Day. 

In addition to the expected driver and meeting room facilities we will have access to the air-conditioned VIP area which is often used to host large dinners and gatherings. I can see many of us enjoying a drink in total comfort while watching the competition taking place on the track below.

We will be running on a 1.6 mile course with 13 turns and exiting changes in elevation. As the track manager drove us around the course a few times, with the fun meter revving high, we commented on the opportunity for every AROC convention attendee to drive this course through what I am calling an Enhanced Parade Laps Experience.

Our traditional Autocross will also take place at the track premises. With the largest
paved area for an autocross that I have ever seen at a convention, this is a course
designer’s dream. Seasoned competitors and their cars will have ample staging room.
Furthermore, we will have a low-key staging area for a Novice Only group. As a full
motor sports facility, this complex also has a Go-Kart course. Karting has become very
popular because it is a blast and the course will be open during our Track Day.

The third venue stop was Jergel’s Rhythm Grille. From the onset, an evening at Jergel’s has been an enthusiastic component of the vision for this convention. Upon reading the website description however, “Jergel's Rhythm Grille" offers a unique live music experience in the Pittsburgh area with a 600-person capacity, full restaurant menu, cigar bar and patio!”. 

My vision was that of crowded bar, with loud music that made it impossible to communicate without screaming and appealing only to a very young age group.

Well, I could not have been more wrong. First, the setting is impressive and enormous. The pictures on the web do not do it justice. In the main floor, off to the side, there is a very cool looking and inviting oval bar with comfortable seating for at least 100 people. Yes, I counted!

The well-thought out bar area is not just generously spacious all around, but it does not collide in the least with the stage and main viewing area in front of the stage. In addition to the first floor, there is the even better second floor, which is the one negotiated for our convention. It is accessible via stairs or elevator, as the Jergel’s manager giving us the walk through pointed out.

Our convention will have full and exclusive access to the second floor, which has capacity for 250 people. The second floor has a square opening that overlooks the first floor, including the stage. The opening is built with a ledge for drinks and food and furnished with 60 plus chairs, each of which provide a front row seat to the stage below.

This floor also has an inviting bar, off to the side, with comfortable seating for 45 people. Furthermore, almost an entire wall of the second floor is lined with large booths and there are plenty of tables arranged throughout. I can honestly say that my vision of a crowded room was replaced with the reality of an easy-to-walk-around-and-mingle adult setting. Two-hundred and fifty of us will fit nicely and none of us will have to fight for a chair.

At this point it was clear that Jergel’s has a great setting, good food, drinks and reasonable prices, but I still had to ask about having to scream over music in order to communicate?

As it turns out, Bernie was already several steps ahead of me. The evening reserved for the convention features the music of accomplished musicians "Three Car Garage" who have already been selected and confirmed specifically by our chapter hosts.   We will be on the second floor enjoying a lovely evening, and others not associated to our convention may also enjoy our evening, but from the first floor only.

Last, the main parking lot in front of the entrance has been reserved for Alfa Romeo cars only.

The last venue we visited was the Pittsburgh Golf Club, founded in 1896. The convention will hold a Friday dinner at the Club as well as Car Show and Concours weekend. As expected, the grounds are beautiful, the place is immaculate, and classy with a sophisticated vintage feel. Our Alfas will feel very much at home in such elegant premises.

After a very full day, Bernie and I returned to the convention hotel for a full planning meeting. I got to meet some great AROC members. The majority were from the Pittsburgh chapter, of course, but there were other volunteers from neighboring chapters as well. A lot was discussed, but it is very important to note that while our convention is taking place, the city of Pittsburgh will be hosting the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, a major charity event which includes two weekends of historic races.

Our host AROC chapter, Three Rivers Alfisti, has been proudly participating heavily in the PVGP event for many years. While our convention is a distinct event, with activities open to AROC members only, the Car Show and Concours weekend will take place within the PVGP setting, which also includes spectating the historic races that take place on that weekend.

Furthermore, Alfa Romeo has been named as one of two featured marques of this year’s PVGP, and therefore AROC convention attendees may register for overlapping activities. All PVGP historic Alfa Romeo racers, AROC members or not, will be staying at the convention hotel.

The following morning, I got into the Spider for the drive back to northern NJ. This time however, hoping to avoid another unpredicted snow storm, I opted for the reliable, albeit boring, interstate highways. The interstates have these wonderful easy-to-read and up-to-the-minute informative electronic boards. As I drove these kept displaying a warning for “POSSIBLE EXTREME WHITE-OUT CONDITIONS”… Thankfully those conditions never materialized, and I was able to think about my Pittsburgh visit and enjoy the notion that we are going to have a great convention!

By Enrique Zuniga

The hotel for the 2019 National Convention is The DoubleTree by Hilton Pittsburgh – Cranberry. The negotiated rate is $119 per night. We cannot emphasize how important it is to book your hotel room early.

The Three Rivers Alfisti convention organizers have arranged for the entire hotel to be Alfa Romeo. All AROC convention attendees, as well as any and all Alfa Romeo vintage racers, and any Alfa VIPs attending activities related to historic racing will be staying at this hotel. All hotel parking lots will be for Alfas. (RVs and trailers are welcome, but please contact the convention in advance.)

It is paramount to realize that the all Alfa hotel is predicated on early bookings. All hotels only make money when their rooms are full, and they will not risk not having their rooms sold out. Hence, they monitor bookings months in advance.

If for whatever reason attendees are not reserving rooms, the hotel will simply market our projected-but- unreserved rooms to other groups or individuals. If an attendee waits too long and cannot book a negotiated-rate reservation, it hurts in two ways:

1. The attendee will have to pay a higher, non-negotiated, rate at the convention hotel or at an alternate hotel, and
   
2. The convention doesn’t get hotel credit for filling the higher-rate room. Hotel credits are important because the hotel provides meeting rooms at a discount and free guest room amenities based on the number of nights that are filled.
   

Make reservations via this link on the Convention website or directly with Hotel
DoubleTree by Hilton
910 Sheraton Drive
Mars, PA 16046
Tel: 1-724-776-6900
Please mention that the group discount is under "Cortile Della Corsa"

Last June we announced that Dwight Knowlton was selected as our logo artist for the upcoming Cortile della Corsa AROC convention in 2019.  We are excited to release the final logo design !

We are now working on the new gear that will be available for pre-purchase prior to the convention.  We whould be making those announcements next, so watch this space!

See Dwight Knowlton Selected as Logo Artist for the Cortile della Corsa
for more information.

Kelly Telfer has been been selected at the featured artist to create the Cortile della Corsa poster for the 2019 Alfa Romeo Owner's Club Convention and the Spotlight Car for the 2019 Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix.

, aKelly designed and printed their race team shirts and soon, everybody else wanted him to design their shirts!  He started a T-shirt company, O.Tee Shirts, when he was 20 years old- based on his original art and new-found race contacts.

It turned into one of the largest T-shirt companies specializing in motorsports in the country. Over the next couple of decades, Kelly created art and apparel for many top racers, tracks, and manufacturers; including Mears, Andretti, Petty, Earnhardt, Senna, Mansell, the Daytona 500, Laguna Seca Raceway, Monterey Historics, Long Beach Grand Prix, Indy 500, Monaco F1, as well as Chevrolet, Ford, Dodge, NASCAR, Indy Car and F1. 

Be sure and check out Kelly's website, Kelly Telfer's Fine Art, and learn about his Ambush Art.  We should be making an announcement regarding the poster art sometime in February or March.

Make plans now to join us in Allegheny West in Pittsburgh's Historic North Side.