Snippets

Leinster Leader, Saturday 24 January 1903 - Page 8.

THE GREAT MOTOR RACE.
START AND FINISH AT NAAS.
The Committee of the Automobile Club of Great Britain and Ireland have decided to hold the race for the Gordon-Bennett Cup in Ireland, provided they can obtain the necessary authorisation from Parliament. The first race was run in France, and was won by a Frenchman. The same result occurred in 1901, but in 1902 Mr. Edge an Englishman, won the coveted trophy. There can be no question but that the success of the French cars gave a great stimulus to the motor car industry in France. In 1900 the value of exported motor cars from France was £290,360; in 1902 the figure had reached the sum of £1,062,040. It is calculated that 180,000 workmen are engaged in France in this industry. From these figures it will be easily understood why English motorists are anxious that the next race should be run in the United Kingdom. They have selected Ireland because an open course was more easy to be found. The course suggested forms a rough isosceles triangle, with Naas at the apex, and Maryborough and Carlow at the base angles... The race will start at 3 a.m., and end about 1 o'clock in the afternoon. Elaborate precautions we understand will be taken to prevent accidents.