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As one of three Gordon Bennett Cups (also for balloons), established by James Gordon Bennett, Jr., millionaire owner of the New York Herald, the automobile racing award was first given in 1900 in France.
The trophy was awarded annually until 1905, after which the Automobile Club de France (ACF) held the first Grand Prix motor racing event at the Circuit de la Sarthe, in Le Mans.
The Gordon Bennett Cup auto races drew entrants from across Europe including future aviator Henry Farman and from the United States competitors such as Alexander Winton driving his Winton automobile. Under the terms of the race, the subsequent race would be hosted by the country of the most recent winner.
Gordon Bennett Cup winners:
| Year | Track | Winner | Car |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1900 | Paris to Lyon, France | Fernand Charron | Panhard |
| 1901 | Paris to Bordeaux, France | Léonce Girardot | Panhard |
| 1902 | Paris, France to Innsbruck, Austria | Selwyn Edge | Napier |
| 1903 | Athy, County Kildare, Ireland | Camille Jenatzy | Mercedes (car) |
| 1904 | Taunus mountains in Germany | Léon Théry | Richard-Brasier |
| 1905 | Circuit d'Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France | Léon Théry | Richard-Brasier |
links
- http://kildare.ie/heritage/Gordon-Bennett-Race/January-1903.asp
"Gordon Bennett Cup in auto racing"