Page "Auto racing" Paragraph 3

On July 23, 1894, the Parisian magazine Le Petit Journal organized what is considered to be the world's first motoring competition from Paris to Rouen.

Sporting events were a tried and tested form of publicity stunt and circulation booster.

Pierre Giffard, the paper's editor, promoted it as a Competition for Horseless Carriages ( Concours des Voitures sans Chevaux ) that were not dangerous, easy to drive, and cheap during the journey.

Thus it blurred the distinctions between a reliability trial, a general event and a race.

One hundred two competitors paid the 10 franc entrance fee.