The world’s first motorsport contest took place on the 22nd of July, 1894 from Paris to Rouen, France.
First, a selection event was held in which sixty-nine cars participated. The main 127 kilometre race had twenty-five contestants.
Count Jules-Albert de Dion circa 1903
Count Jules-Albert de Dion was the first to complete the race, but as cars were also judged on other elements – such as safety – he was not declared the winner. He completed the race in 6 hours and 48 minutes, which averaged 19 kilometres an hour.
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