This Friday Lionshead will roar like never before as the 100+ Colorado Grand participants culminate their multi-day journey through the state of Colorado with a victory lap through the Lionshead Village!
The Colorado Grand is a 1,000-mile road ride that travels the Colorado high country in September of each year. The event, which begins and ends in Vail, Colorado, is a charitable event that has donated in excess of 3.3 million dollars to worthy organizations throughout Colorado since it began in 1989, including providing college scholarships to students in many of the communities through which it passes each year.
With a wide array of vintage and historic racing and sports cars, the likes of pre-1960’s Aston Martins, Bentleys, Ferraris and Jaguars, the Grand features a rare collection of truly unique vehicles. Their drivers, coming from all over the world, have been on the road since early this week, driving some of Colorado’s most scenic roadways before returning back to Vail this Friday.
Upon returning to the area on Friday, September 14th, the Grand participants will complete their 1,000-mile journey with a victory lap through Lionshead Village. The Finish Line festivities will center around the entrance to the Lionshead Mall starting between 3 and 3:30pm. As the classic cars return from their Colorado expedition they will roar in to the Village, crossing the Grand Finish Line by passing beneath the Lionshead Village arch at the entrance to the mall. After pausing briefly to receive a gift of congratulations for completing the ride, drivers will then continue through Lionshead Village, taking a quick victory lap as they head back towards the Cascade for the evening.
Due to the nature of the Colorado Grand event, the cars will not all come through in one group and will arrive spaced out from approximately 3pm on, as they return to the area. It is highly recommended to come early if you would like to catch them all. Additionally, while you are waiting to cheer the drivers on, you can kick back and relax to the music of festive Dixieland Band, the New Summit Ridge Jazz Band from 3:30-5:30pm.
On Saturday morning, September 15th, from 9am to 12pm, the Grand continues with a unique opportunity for the public view these very special cars up close as the Concourse d’Non-Elegance returns to Lionshead. Every square inch of Lionshead Village will be filled with these incredible vehicles parked on display for the morning. Spectators can take advantage of the rare chance to view these vintage vehicles exactly as they appeared upon returning from their arduous trek through the high country – mud, dust and all.
For more information on the Colorado Grand and the related festivities in Lionshead this weekend, please contact Sarah Franke at sarah@group970.com.