Rebecca Droke, Post-Gazette Black Tie and Tailpipes co-chair Gigi Saladna and event chair Beth Martin next to a 1957 Mercedes Benz.

Along with its new/old treeless look, the course at Oakmont Country Club is equally famous for its fast greens. But Saturday evening the focus was on speed of a different sort. It was the 25th anniversary of the Vintage Grand Prix, and the display of horsepower housed under a hood was impressive. Lining the entrance to the club were some of the most stylish speed demons ever made.

	Miss Pennsylvania Rachel Brooks. Click photo for larger image.

However, the place of honor under the portico was reserved for Marque of the Year Mercedes Benz. It was a pearl gray 1957 300SC Coupe owned by Harvey Rice that represented the luxury car maker.

The annual Black Tie & Tailpipes Gala is the official kickoff for race week, which starts with the historic races at BeaveRun Motorsports Complex near Koppel, Beaver County, and ends with the Vintage Grand Prix through the streets of Schenley Park next weekend. The events benefit Allegheny Valley School and The Autism Society of Pittsburgh.

Special guest Miss Pennsylvania, Rachel Brooks, had a personal reason for attending the event. Her brother Brandon is autistic, and she has made autism awareness part of her platform. Delighting the more than 250 guests, wearing her crown and looking every bit as classy as the chassis parked outside, she showed off her own set of pipes and sang for her supper.

A live and silent auction, as well as dancing to Music by Sputzy rounded out the evening, which didn't see a checkered flag until well after 10 p.m.

Grand Prix executive director Dan and Michelle DelBianco. Click photo for larger image.

Beth Martin chaired the party with co-chair Gigi Saladna. Having a wheel good time were Grand Prix executive director Dan DelBianco with Michelle, Kim Tillotson Fleming (Hefren-Tillotson and Crown Royal were sponsors), Allegheny Valley School president Regis Champ, Autisim Society of Pittsburgh president Dan Torisky, Jeff Harrison, silent auction co-chairs Megan Sweringen (with Jon) and Lisa Stauffer (with Thad) and, from SuperCarLife.com, dapper Jared Dubey.