Gordon Bennett Cup


Major newspapers at the beginning of the twentieth century, enjoy an incredible reputation and influence. It is not uncommon for some sporting events are organized by these newspapers. Moreover they win a huge succès.


In 1889, James Gordon Bennett, owner of the New York wealthy Herald, decided to organize an international award involving national teams. France, as it is the first manufacturer worldwide, hosts the event, organizes and sets règlement. The June 14, 1900 begins the epic auto Gordon Bennett Cup, which ends in 1905. Three French teams undertake Panhard-Levassor cars driven by Charron, Girardot and Knyff on the course of 554 km. Charron wins the first year with an average speed of 60.90 km / h Girardot and the second with an average speed of 59.533 km / h. France won the race four times, asserting its dominance in the nascent automotive industry. In 1903, the event no longer takes place in France, but in Ireland, then in Germany 1904.

Several million Spectators crowd the roads to attend these races. However, no security measures are taken, so that children and animals are at the origin of many embardées. In 1903, after the Paris-Madrid race where we counted several fatal accidents, racing on public roads is prohibited. Indeed, the test will have 8 dead and ends prematurely Bordeaux. Therefore, the races become rallies in special closed roads or hill climbs in highly regulated. For higher speeds, special circuits and tracks accelerations are built.
As the Gordon Bennett Cup, the most famous and prestigious automobile races born at that time, like the 24 Hours of Le Mans (1923), the Monte Carlo Rally (1911) or the Indianapolis 500 (1911) .