At The Greatest Speed: Gordon Bennett, the Father of International Motor Racing

James Gordon Bennett, born in 1841, was the publisher of the New York Herald and a passionate supporter of technology and sport. In 1899, he instigated the International Gordon Bennett Cup, which saw spectators grow from less than a hundred to eighty-thousand. The 1903 Cup in Ireland was crucial as it was the first international race in the British Isles and used a closed-circuit course, giving a boost to the global auto-industry.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 22 October 2021
Publisher: Unicorn Publishing Group

James Gordon Bennett, born in 1841, was a privileged only son who assumed the role of publisher of the New York Herald from his wealthy father. Bennett was an ardent supporter of pioneering fields of technology and sport, always prioritizing speed. In 1899, his fascination with the emerging motor cars led him to initiate the International Gordon Bennett Cup. The inaugural race took place in 1900, spanning from Paris to Lyon, with three participating countries. However, this marked the beginning of a remarkable phenomenon that, thanks to Bennett's vision, witnessed a staggering growth in spectators from less than a hundred to eighty thousand. Despite facing widespread anti-car sentiment, cumbersome bureaucracy, speed limits, safety concerns, and design challenges, Bennett remained unwavering in his dedication to promoting early motor-car racing. Each Gordon Bennett Cup Race is documented in detail, providing accounts of the drivers, cars, courses, and the exhilarating highs and lows of the events. The 1903 Cup, held in Ireland, was particularly significant as it marked the first time a closed-circuit course was utilized in international racing. Furthermore, it was the inaugural international race in the British Isles. Bennett's unwavering promotion of early motor-car racing played a pivotal role in fostering the global auto-industry and laid the foundation for the international racing that continues to captivate us over a century later.

Weight: 584g
Dimension: 166 x 242 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913491840