Grand Prix wheels through Coatesville

The smell of burning rubber wafted through town Saturday as over 40 classic automobiles and motorcycles took to the streets for the third annual Coatesville Grand Prix Saturday.

With tires screeching and engines roaring, drivers guided their classic cars along the 2.2 mile course in a timed circuit. As racers waited to take their runs throughout the day they lined up in the pits between Second and Third avenues. Spectators had a chance to see the racers up close as they fined tuned their vintage racers.

“I love people coming into Coatesville like years ago,” said Jim Depetros of Legends Property, who is working on a major development in the city. “This is what we want to bring to the Coatesville.”

“I’m excited. It’s awesome to see all the people,” said City Council President Linda Lavender-Norris.

“Three years running of a five year commitment. We’re going to run it till the wheels run off.”

“Anything that brings people like this is positive,” said Kevin Edwards of Coatesville, who took the day off to bring his grandchildren to the event.

“I’m beside myself. This is just unbelievable,” said Gerald DeVito, who came down from Long Island for the event with a group of motorcycle enthusiasts.

No major incidents were reported from the race. One motorcyclist did go down on his last lap but was not hurt and spectators helped him right his machine and pushed him back on into the race.

“It’s good to have fun but safety is number one,” said Coatesville Police Chief Jack Laufer. Police monitored the course between groups. Periodically cross streets were opened to allow traffic to cross the course.

Proceeds from the event benefit the city’s Parks and Recreation projects to help build and maintain recreational facilities for Coatesville.

PETE BANNAN - DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA A racecar pulls out of the pits at the third annual Coatesville Grand Prix. The 2.2-mile course took the racers down the Lincoln Highway and around the street of the city on a timed circuit.

PETE BANNAN - DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Fans line Lincoln Highway for the third annual Coatesville Grand Prix.

Tom Lee of Newtown Square tightens his helmet as he waits to take his run in the Riley Special for the the third annual Coatesville Grand Prix. The 2.2 mile course took the racers down the Lincoln Highway and around the street of the city on a timed circuit.

Race director Dave Back waves the flag to start one of the 40 classic automobiles and motorcycles took to the streets of Coatesville Saturday for the third annual Coatesville Grand Prix. The 2.2 mile course took the racers down the Lincoln Highway and around the street of the city on a timed circuit.

This Ferrari was one of over 40 classic automobiles and motorcycles took to the streets of Coatesville Saturday.

Zanai and Kara Edwards watch the third annual Coatesville Grand Prix Saturday.

A racer works on his car in the pits at the third annual Coatesville Grand Prix.

PHOTOS BY PETE BANNAN - DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA A classic race car takes the turn onto Lincoln Highway in the for the third annual Coatesville Grand Prix. The 2.2mile course took the racers down the Lincoln Highway and around the street of the city on a timed circuit.

Over 40 classic automobiles and motorcycles took to the streets of Coatesville Saturday.