2026 International Jaguar Festival (IJF) Trip Summary

Jeff and I arrived around 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2026. We were warmly welcomed at the registration desk, staffed by members of the Jaguar Club of Pittsburgh, where we received our event packets. Each packet included a printed schedule, identification badges, several welcome gifts, and the 2026 Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix (PVGP) Motorsport Festival program. This year’s program honored Jaguar as the featured marque and showcased the XKE shown by our own Greg Weldy on the cover. A full-size poster sized reproduction of the beautiful program artwork by Mark Morgan was included.

After an eight-hour drive, we decided to forego the Thursday evening activities and settle in for the night.

Friday, July 17

On Friday, after a relaxing brunch, we attended the IJF Slalom competition. Sixteen cars participated—fifteen Jaguars and one Porsche—making for an entertaining event.

Our menu included a choice of salmon or braised beef short ribs, various salads and a wide array of fresh vegetables. The highlight of the night was the event’s grand Marshal, Ian Callum, renowned automotive designer of Jaguar and other well known marques. Ian entertained us with his recounting of his experiences and shared love of Jaguars.

At 2:00 p.m., I attended the JCNA Rules Committee meeting, where members considered proposed changes and clarifications to Concours judging rules. Sixty-six voting members were present, either in person or by proxy, providing the required quorum. Following thoughtful discussion, a motion was made, seconded, and approved by majority vote.

Friday night’s dinner was nothing short of spectacular. The venue was the Pittsburgh Golf Course clubhouse, a historic and meticulously maintained architectural gem.

Saturday, July 18

The day began early, with a 5:15 a.m. wake-up to arrive at the Concours field by 6:15. Watching the Jaguars arrive was a highlight of the morning. The quality and variety of the cars entered for judging and display were truly exceptional.

The Jaguar Club of Pittsburgh has done a phenomenal job hosting this event. Everything has been well organized, and we’ve had the opportunity to meet many wonderful people from across the Jaguar community.

During the day, we also caught demonstrations by the drift exhibition drivers, followed by several of the vintage race cars taking to the course.

An afternoon pop-up rainstorm, combined with nearly six hours on our feet, convinced us to head back around 12:30 p.m. As a result, we missed the awards presentation, but I will obtain the list of trophy winners from either JCNA or the Jaguar Club of Pittsburgh for inclusion in a future report.

Although a few members had to cancel their trips, the Jaguar Autosport and Touring Club was still well represented, with seven members attending this year’s International Jaguar Festival.

My hope in sharing this summary is to give those who were unable to attend a glimpse of the experience and perhaps encourage even greater participation in future International Jaguar Festivals.

Respectfully submitted,

Janet Tillman, Secretary

From July 16–18, 2026, the International Jaguar Festival (IJF) will take center stage in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as part of the internationally renowned Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix (PVGP) Motorsports Festival, where Jaguar will be honored as the featured Marque of the Year.

This extraordinary occasion promises to be far more than simply another automotive event. It will be a grand celebration of Jaguar’s unparalleled heritage, racing pedigree, engineering excellence, and timeless design — all showcased on one of the most prestigious vintage motorsports stages in North America.

Further elevating the significance of the event, legendary Jaguar designer Ian Callum will serve as Grand Marshal, bringing global recognition and

added excitement to an already historic gathering. In the words of respected automotive authority Ramsey Potts: “You need to be here.” The 2026 International Jaguar Festival is not merely being hosted alongside the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix (PVGP) — it is fully integrated into the very fabric of this internationally celebrated motorsports spectacle. From Thursday through Saturday, Jaguar owners and enthusiasts will enjoy a front-row seat to one of the most extraordinary and immersive automotive festivals in the world.

The PVGP holds a unique and distinguished place in motorsports history as the only vintage street race in the United States, and it is widely regarded among the most prestigious historic racing events anywhere in the world. Each year, the festival attracts an extraordinary gathering of vintage race cars, distinguished collectors, passionate enthusiasts, and tens of thousands of spectators from around the globe. In 2026, Jaguar will stand proudly at center stage.

For more information, please follow the link to the 2026 IJF website:

https://www.jaguarclubofpittsburgh.org/ijf