In July 1903, the Gordon Bennett Cup ran through Kildare.
It was the first international motor race to be held in Britain or Ireland.
The Automobile Club of Great Britain and Ireland wanted the race to be hosted in Britain or Ireland, and Ireland was suggested as racing was illegal on British public roads.
The editor of the Dublin Motor News suggested an area in County Kildare, and letters were sent to politicians, newspapers, railway companies, hoteliers, and clergy to win support and amend local laws.
Kildare was chosen, among other candidate venues, partly because the straightness of the roads was deemed a safety benefit.
As a compliment to Ireland, the British team chose to race in Shamrock green which became known as British racing green.
The 528 km race ran on a loop through parts of counties Kildare and Carlow, including Kildare town.
It was won by Belgian racer Camille Jenatzy in a Mercedes.
In July 1903, the Gordon Bennett Cup ran through Kildare. It was the first international motor race to be held in Britain or Ireland. The Automobile Club of Great Britain and Ireland wanted the race to be hosted in Britain or Ireland, and Ireland was suggested as racing was illegal on British public roads. The editor of the Dublin Motor News suggested an area in County Kildare, and letters were sent to politicians, newspapers, railway companies, hoteliers, and clergy to win support and amend local laws. Kildare was chosen, among other candidate venues, partly because the straightness of the roads was deemed a safety benefit. As a compliment to Ireland, the British team chose to race in Shamrock green which became known as British racing green. The 528 km race ran on a loop through parts of counties Kildare and Carlow, including Kildare town. It was won by Belgian racer Camille Jenatzy in a Mercedes.
Kildare