Paris–Madrid race
1903 automobile race
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Paris–Madrid race[b] was a city-to-city motor race that began on 24 May 1903. The event was organized by the Automobile Club de France (ACF) and the Royal Automobile Club of Spain, (Spanish: Real Automóvil Club de España, RACE).
 | |
| Date | May 24–27, 1903 |
|---|---|
| Time | 3:30 AM (scheduled) 3:45 AM (actual)[2] (CEST) |
| Location |
|
| Motive | Promotion of the automotive industry[3] |
| Organized by |
|
| Participants | 220 – 275[a] starters (of 316 entries)[6] |
| Deaths | 6[7] – 8 (5 drivers, 3 spectators)[8][9] |
| Injuries | ≥12[7] |
The race became well-known for the number of deaths and injuries among both drivers and spectators, and was cancelled at the end of the first leg in Bordeaux. It was the last city-to-city race of its kind to be held on open, public roads.[7] Fernand Gabriel, driving a Mors Dauphines, was declared the winner.
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Background
Popularity in motor racing had been growing across Europe since the 1896 Paris–Marseille–Paris, which was the first city-to-city motor race where the winner was determined by finishing time, as opposed to reliability and overall performance in the Paris–Rouen race the previous year.[11]
Constructors were motivated to increase the power of their cars, with speeds growing from 5 miles per hour (8.0 km/h) to 80 miles per hour (130 km/h). The increase in power led organizers to impose a weight limit of 1,000 kilograms (2,200 lb) on the "Large" class of cars.[4] Other classes included "Light" and "Voiturettes".
Races at the time were still held on public roads, which meant drivers had to avoid poor quality road surfaces, railroad crossings, farm and household animals, bystanders, and other obstacles.[4][7][12]
Race
To maximize the number of cars visible during daylight, the race was scheduled for 3:30 AM. However, it was delayed 15 minutes due to poor visibility. Drivers set off at one-minute intervals.[4]
Attendance
The race was heavily promoted as "one of the biggest sporting spectacles in history."[3]
Over 100,000 spectators were present at the beginning of the race in Bordeaux, while it is estimated that millions of people watched the event from the roadside along the course.[13]
Results by class
After starting 168th, Fernand Gabriel was the first driver overall to reach Bordeaux when the race was called off. He completed the stage in 5 hours and 14 minutes at an average speed of 65 miles per hour (105 km/h).[2]
The following results were determined by the finishing order at Bordeaux.[14]
| Pos | Driver | Constructor |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fernand Gabriel | Mors |
| 2 | Joseph Salleron | Mors |
| 3 | Charles Jarrott | De Dietrich |
| Pos | Driver | Constructor |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Louis Renault | Renault |
| 2 | Paul Baras | Darracq |
| 3 | Page | Decauville |
| Pos | Driver | Constructor |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Masson | Clement |
| 2 | Jules Barillier | Richard-Brasier |
| 3 | Louis Wagner | Darracq |
Legacy
The race claimed the lives of many notable drivers, including Marcel Renault, one of the founders of Renault.[15] His brother, Louis Renault, finished first in the light car class.
In his memoir, third-place finisher Charles Jarrott suggested that the "deplorable disasters" of the race could have been avoided with better organization.[16]
See also
Notes
- Also referred to as the 1903 Paris-Madrid,[citation needed] The Race of Death,[4][10] The Race to Death,[2] Course Paris-Madrid - ACF Race.[citation needed]
