Gordon Bennett Cup (motorsport)
The Gordon Bennett Cup was an annual motorsport event that was held from 1900 to 1905. It was the first international performance comparison between several automobile brands. The initiator was the American newspaper publisher James Gordon Bennett junior (1841-1918). Three vehicles per nation were permitted, all of which (including engine, tires and all small parts) had to be manufactured in this country. The total weight could not be less than 400 kg and a maximum of 1000 kg. Only two-seaters were allowed to compete.
The route length was always between 550 and 650 kilometers.
The victorious nation had the task of organizing next year's race. Vehicles from France , the USA and Belgium competed in the first race in 1900, and only French cars in the following year. In the end, the idea prevailed and the races that were held later saw vehicles from France, Great Britain , Germany , Belgium, Austria , Italy , Switzerland and the USA at the start. After 1905, the French vehicle manufacturers no longer agreed to the strict quota, as many manufacturers in France were fighting for the three starting positions. France therefore hardly showed any interest in holding the 1906 race. Rather, the first Grand Prix was announced at the same time and the Cup race was pushed into the background. The interest of other nations waned as one could gain more fame in the Grand Prix. The first Grand Prix, according to the German translation, was the 1906 French Grand Prix . Nevertheless, the Gordon Bennett Cup had a major impact on motorsport history: The British Racing Green had its origin here, as did the motorsport tradition of Mercedes-Benz and Michelin . The consistent use of circuits, which gradually replaced city-to-city journeys, also began its triumphant advance in the races for the Gordon Bennett Cup.
Winners list
See also
Web links
- Race report from 1903 on kildare.ie (English)