History's Most Dangerous Auto Races

Since its invention a little over a century ago, the automobile has allowed people to travel farther, faster and more effectively than ever before. Out of this technological marvel, auto racing has become one of the world's most popular sports - tempting racers to push themselves to the upper limits of speed and endurance. Here are some car travel tips to learn about history's most dangerous auto races.

The Paris-Madrid Race of 1903
Shortly after Henry Ford unveiled the Model T, some of the earliest auto racing fans organized an endurance race spanning from Paris to Madrid. However, as racing was still in its infancy, several unfortunate fatalities occurred due to inexperienced drivers and course designers. The race was abandoned before any drivers reached Spain. 

The Peking-Paris Race of 1907

Initiated following a challenge from the Paris Newspaper, Le Matin, in 1907, the Peking-Paris Race remains one of the most ambitious and death-defying races of all time. Only five racing teams entered the race, with each driver accompanied by a journalist to cover the progress. The rough terrain spanning two continents posed numerous challenges, but after months of travel Italy's Prince Scipione Borghese arrived in Paris to claim first place.

The New York-Paris Race of 1908
Following the success of the Peking-Paris Race a year earlier, racers gathered in Time Square for a similarly dangerous endurance test. Motorists raced across North America to Seattle, where their vehicles were shipped to Japan, then raced north into Siberia. The entire race took about six months to complete.

Back to Enjoying Your Car More