1964 Quantum Formula S PVGP 2007

This was the Group 3 (Formula Cars and Sports Racers) race at the 25th annual Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, 2007.
The car I was driving (Dad's 1964 Quantum Formula SAAB)decided, for no apparent reason, that it didn't want to partake in the race. Rather, it preferred to stay parked on the grid and sit in the shade while all the other racecars ran around hot and bothered.

I, rather strongly, disagreed with it.

With help, I convinced it to start and we got set to go out on track.

Unfortunately we didn't get started in time to join the race before the pace lap was complete. The gridworkers held me at the start until the field had safely passed.

When I finally got started I put in the best (fastest) laps I have ever driven at that track. I caught and passed everyone I qualified ahead of and even one that qualified ahead of me.

In the end, because of my climb through the field from dead last at the start, I was awarded the coveted "Best Drive of the Race" award. This is a great honor.

I thank the race organizers and the city of Pittsburgh for continuing to have and support this one of a kind event. Those 8 furious and treacherous laps around Schenley Park are the highlight of my year.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• pvgp
• schenely
• saab
• quantum
• formulas
• pittsburgh
• vintage
• grand
• prix
• stefan
• vapaa
• at-speed
• at-speed.com
• vscca

[donneysaab]

this is great, thanks.....tom donney

[formulasaab]

@donneysaab Thanks Tom!

[dingo7719]

Sooo.... I imagine that somewhere the original footage is in somewhat higher quality ? And that perhaps the entire race could be burned to DVD? yes? I'd pay for that. Also that Saab had disc brakes all around right , which means bias ply+4xdisc right?Also that is the 940cc , seven moving parts, 80hp engine? A guy up in Black Earth is selling one ( partially disassembled , but complete ) for $45,000 I am wondering if that is a good price, oh yeah I've watched this video about 20 times, nice :)

[formulasaab]

@dingo7719 Yes, of course I have the original footage. The camera is a 480 line lipstick cam, so pretty decent quality. This particular Formula S does have 4 wheel discs and bias-ply Dunlop L-series race tires. This motor is an 850, but we have a 940 in the works. I doubt we're making 80 hp, maybe with the 940 we will. $45k? Sounds maybe close. Hard to tell, they don't often sell and are even less often complete.

[weekendpyro]

Man! High fourth gear! But that was an awesome vid. The cars so damn loud the music didnt bother me at all. Awesome job hope to see you this year (2009)

[formulasaab]

Unfortunately, 2009 was a rotten year for me. I broke 2 engines this year even though I only turned 2 laps.

[Kburgboy]

Almost makes me wanna get a DKW engined car, again, and go racin', again..almost!

I've never seen the PVGP course before...bit frightening with all the unprotected trees....

Great video fun footage, keep up the fun!

[hkdxforsaken]

This is sooo cool!!!!

[marshja56]

Nice drive. I volunteer as a corner worker at this event every year and we love Group 3! Sometimes people ask me if this is a "real race". I will point them to this video. This is a lot more speed and skill than many people realize. The consequences of a mistake here can be high with all the trees and stone walls everywhere.

[dingo7719]

@formulasaab , ...Thanks (I am going to arrange to see the saab I'll get some pictures If I don't want it maybe some else will.The thing about these country farmers is nice stuff under tarps in the barn;) . The power of the cube , if I read it right the stock 850 turns 40hp and the 940 turns 80hp. It'd be nice to see those guys in the dust in the straight-a-ways :) , plus with the extra acceleration there would be some (more)awesome(scary) vintage drift action:) So , how much for the video?

[Alisterwolf66]

Well done, man! Great driving, great little machine.

And you didn't completely drown out that sweet Saab sound with the music. Five-starred!

[ledgendsrus]

wheres the power band on this particular car ??