JCNA CLUB NEWS

As seen in the March-April 2026 of the Jaguar Journal: 

July 16–18, 2026 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Jaguar: Marque of the Year at the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix
Grand Marshal: Ian Callum

If there has ever been a time when Jaguar owners, enthusiasts, and historians should mark a date on the calendar in bold red ink, this is it.

From July 16–18, 2026, the International Jaguar Festival (IJF) will be held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania—part of the renowned Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix (PVGP) Motorsports Festival, where Jaguar will be honored as Marque of the Year. Legendary designer Ian Callum will serve as Grand Marshal. In the words of automotive expert Ramsey Potts: 'You need to be here.”

While the January–February 2026 Jaguar Journal announced Jaguar’s Marque of the Year honor and Ian Callum’s participation, that article was submitted before a pivotal development. In December 2025, the Board of Directors of the Jaguar Clubs of North America approved Pittsburgh as the host of the 2026 International Jaguar Festival.

An IJF like no other

The 2026 IJF isn't just hosted alongside the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix—it’s fully integrated into it. From Thursday through Saturday, Jaguar owners will get a front-row view of one of the world’s most incredible motorsports festivals.

The PVGP is the only vintage street race in the United States and ranks among the most important historic racing events worldwide. In 2025, it was again named a finalist for Motorsport Event of the Year by the International Historic Motoring Awards, alongside the Silverstone Festival, Le Mans Classic, and the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. That international recognition speaks volumes.

The PVGP spans multiple weeks and includes vintage circuit racing, a hill climb, prominent international car shows, galas, rallies, parades, and social events—all supporting autism charities. Every dollar raised through IJF participation supports these causes, making this a celebration with a purpose.

 Hotel arrangements: Comfort, access, and space

A block of rooms has been reserved at the DoubleTree by Hilton Pittsburgh–Cranberry Hotel, situated at the intersection of I-79 (north–south) and the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76 east–west). This strategic location bypasses most Pittsburgh traffic while remaining only 21 miles from Schenley Park via a readily accessible interstate highway.

The hotel offers an excellent rate—under $200 per night including taxes—and has a large surface parking area capable of accommodating trailers. For those who prefer to detail their Jaguars on site, hoses with running water will be available. This will be the central hub for IJF event departures.

 Thursday, July 16: Drive, rallye, and garden party

Efforts are underway to offer a JCNA-sanctioned Time-Speed-Distance Rallye on Thursday morning, complete with a scenic route, a midpoint lunch, and a return to the hotel by mid-afternoon. For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, a parallel scenic tour will follow the same route and lunch stop. 

Thursday evening features one of the PVGP’s most elegant traditions: the Garden Party at Phipps Conservatory. This Victorian-era landmark, showcasing stunning plants from around the world, will host food and drink stations throughout the conservatory. Jaguars will be displayed prominently on the lawn in front of Phipps until all spots are filled—a truly memorable setting.

 Friday, July 17: Slalom and a night to remember

Plans are also underway for a JCNA-sanctioned slalom event on Friday morning, just a few miles from the hotel, pending enough registration.

Friday evening is one of the highlights of the IJF: a Dinner Reception at the historic Pittsburgh Golf Club. Set in an elegant clubhouse, the evening will feature excellent cuisine and a keynote speech by Ian Callum. Parking will be on the nearby golf course, which becomes the centerpiece of the PVGP International Car Show the next day.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to hear from and personally interact with one of the most influential automotive designers of our time in an intimate, refined setting.

 Saturday, July 18: The heart of the festival

Saturday is where everything comes together.

Over 3,000 vehicles will fill the Bob O’Connor Golf Course for the PVGP International Car Show. Jaguars, as Marque of the Year, will be prominently featured as IJF Concours d’Elegance and Display class vehicles. Vintage race cars will roar past throughout the day as concours judging takes place, creating an atmosphere unlike any other concours in the world.

The IJF tent will serve as mission control—strategically located, well-equipped, and staffed all day. Registrants can buy a Saturday food package ahead of time, covering everything from morning coffee to cold drinks throughout the day, as well as breakfast and lunch options. Meals will feature freshly grilled chicken and salmon, served on salads or brioche buns.

Concours and other Display entrants are encouraged to arrive early—between 7:00 and 8:00 a.m.—to avoid congestion. Trailer parking will be available on a nearby street. Chief Judge Bryan Williams welcomes judges from across JCNA to participate. Due to anticipated demand, concours entries will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis by class. JCOP members will defer entry unless they are pursuing regional or national awards, which opens additional opportunities for visiting entrants.

Awards will be presented Saturday afternoon at the IJF tent, with Ian Callum personally presenting the trophies.

If you want a Jaguar autographed by Ian Callum—provided it is one of his designs—bring your favorite marker and plan ahead. Ian will be available most of Saturday when he's not performing Grand Marshal duties.

 Sunday and beyond

While the IJF officially concludes Saturday afternoon, registered display and concours vehicles are welcome to return to the golf course on Sunday as vintage racing continues. IJF registrants will receive wristbands granting access to both days.

Sunday is a great time to explore the paddock areas and the start-finish line using PVGP shuttle buses. Food and drink vendors will be plentiful, and attendees are also welcome to bring their own supplies. JCOP members can recommend excellent local food options for visitors from out of town.

 Registration and information

Registrations will be handled through pvgp.org. Look for “Jaguar” under vehicle listings to access the dedicated Jaguar Marque of the Year and IJF portal, where participants can reserve hotel rooms and choose event options. Concours d’ Elegance entrants must print and submit the appropriate hard copy forms directly to Chief Judge Bryan Williams, who is managing the concours.

 Why you need to come

Ramsey Potts—founding partner of Broad Arrow Group and 2025 PVGP Grand Marshal—beautifully captured the spirit of the event in his reflections last year. He highlighted obstacles turned into opportunities, a unique gathering of collector cars, and most importantly, the incredible volunteers who make the PVGP stand out in the collector car world.

“I have no official data; however, my eyes were wide open, and I saw collector cars in numbers I can’t ever remember seeing!  You filled a golf course to capacity and hosted the most stupendous gathering of every possible kind of collector car!  I heard from first-time attendees, and they were blown away by the volume, and I spoke to “regulars” who were equally gobsmacked at the quality!  I will say it, and because of my role as a Broad Arrow Car Specialist, I can say it with some authority, the PVGP show field is without rival in its scope and volume! …….. No other event, no other place, and no other group of volunteers… simply nothing else of its kind exists…… You need to be here.”

In 2026, Jaguar takes center stage in this extraordinary setting.

If you love Jaguars, history, design, driving, and the fellowship of like-minded enthusiasts, there is no better place to be.

You really do need to be here.

For additional information, visit pvgp.org, https://www.jaguarclubofpittsburgh.org  or contact Stu Benson, Chairman of the JCOP PVGP IJF Committee (412-491-1586 | stubenson3@gmail.com).