Cars spectacular for Kilcullen on June Bank Holiday
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| The French team lined up at Flanagan's Motor Bar (today The Hideout) before the race in 1903. |
The Gordon Bennett Classic Road Run 2019 will again commemorate the 1903 race that was almost unique in its day in not having a single fatality amongst both drivers and spectators. This was against a background of motor racing close to being banned in Europe because poor management was resulting in many injuries and deaths on the open road courses then used.
The race, sponsored by New York newspaper owner Gordon Bennett, had previously been won by Britain and under the rules they were required to host the 1903 event. But public opposition and legal difficulties in closing roads prompted a suggestion that British-ruled Ireland might be a suitable alternative.
An idea that there be a closed roads circuit was agreed by the organising committee. Councils, hotels, parishes, and anyone associated with what was then the equivalent of today's tourism industry were very much in favour of the race. In a country with just 300 registered cars at the time, it would be bringing the most exotic teams of drivers and their fastest cars.
A special Act of Parliament was passed to allow the circuit to be closed for the event, which also permitted the then 12mph speed limit for cars in Britain and Ireland to be exceeded. The winning driver, a Belgian named Camille Jenatzy, driving a Mercedes-Benz for the Germany team, completed the 327.5-mile course at an average speed of 49.2mph.
What became the iconic 'British Racing Green' colour was born of the race, green being chosen by the British team in respect for Ireland being the host country.
The race was enthusiastically promoted across Ireland by some 300 newspapers, by local clergy in the region of the event location, and even by a bishop.
Maintaining safety on the circuit, both for competitors and spectators, was entrusted to no less than 7,000 members of the Royal Irish Constabulary. Despite the size of the spectator following, the largest ever recorded for an Irish sporting event, there was not one fatality. Given the unsafe reputation of racing at the time, the 1903 Gordon Bennett Cup is often credited as 'the race that saved motorsport'.
The centre of operations for the 2019 Classic Road Run will be Treacy's of The Heath near Portlaoise. Each morning of the weekend more than 100 cars, all pre-1988, will set out for a drive. The Sliabh Bloom Mountains will feature on the Saturday, while the original course will be driven on the Sunday. On the Monday, the main drive is to Brian King’s Classic Car Exhibition in Naas, with a stop in Kilcullen's Market Square from 1pm-2pm. Everyone is welcome to come along and view the cars and talk to their owners.
The vehicles will include some rare and classic cars, including the 107-year-old Titanic Ghost built to order by Rolls Royce for Lord Pirre of Harland and Wolff, Belfast.
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