The normally quiet streets of Coatesville will be transformed into a race course where vintage cars and motorcycles will compete to earn the best times as the Coatesville Invitational Vintage Grand Prix returns to the area for the fifth year on Saturday, Sept. 18, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Spectators are welcome to line the race course and watch the cars free of charge. There is also an opportunity for people to attend a PrixView Party on Thursday, Sept. 16, and a new Friday Cruise-In on Sept. 17.

More than 70 rare vintage cars and motorcycles, dating from 1900 to 1975, will be part of the grand prix. Drivers will compete in individually timed heats over a 2.2-mile road course, which will be lined with old-style straw bales. In addition to a full day of competition, spectators can enjoy music, vendors and food trucks, which will be featured on race day.

Because the event was canceled in 2020, the Grand Prix was last held in 2019. Cars that took part in that event included a Ferrari, a Porsche, a Lotus and an Auburn, along with other rare vintage cars and motorcycles.

"A grand prix is not a wheel-to-wheel race, which means it is not cars racing side by side," explained event director Lisa Thomas. "It's timed heats. Each car goes out (by itself)."

Trophies will be awarded in each of five divisions, and the Brian Hoskins' Trophy will be awarded to the top competitor who best exemplifies sportsmanship, skill and safety on the course.

Members of the Brandywine Motorsports Club will oversee the technical aspects of the event. Also on hand to provide assistance will be local first responders. A VIP area, hosted by the Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce will be located near the start and finish line. It will be open to sponsors, competitors and ticket holders.

The weekend will kick off with PrixView Party, co-hosted by the Coatesville Rotary Club and Leading Edge Autosport, on Sept. 16, at the Brooklawn Estate, 1825 Newark Road, Kennett Square. The ticketed event will feature cocktails, light fare, music and a performance by country singer Jackie Verna, who appeared as a top 10 contestant on Season 14 of "The Voice."

The Friday Cruise-In will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. on Lincoln Highway between First and Fifth streets in Coatesville. The public is invited to park hot rods, classic cars and restored cars at the location. No entry fee or registration is required, but all vehicles must be licensed.

All proceeds raised through sponsorships, entry fees and the sale of event memorabilia will benefit the City of Coatesville's capital projects and Parks and Recreation activities.

For information regarding sponsorship or vendor opportunities, to order VIP tickets or for additional details, visit http://www.coatesvillegrandprix.com or email info@coatesvillegrandprix.com. Information is also available at http://www.facebook.com/coatesvillegrandprix and http://www.instagram.com/coatesvillevintagegrandprix. Drivers can apply and register for the event at http://www.motorsportreg.com.