World's First 24 Hour Race

[cosworth151]

With Le Mans coming up this week-end, here's a little history question:

Where was the world's first 24 hour auto race held? Was it Le Mans? Brooklands? Monza? Indy?

Answer - Columbus, Ohio, USA!

The first 24 hour auto race was held at Driving Park on the southeast side of Columbus on July 3rd & 4th, 1905. Driving Park was a one mile oval built for harness racing in 1892. It was later used for bicycle, motorcycle and auto racing. In 1905, they hosted the first 24 hour auto race. 4 cars entered: a Frayer-Miller, a Pope-Toledo, a Peerless and a White Steamer. The Stanley was withdrawn at the last minute. The Pope-Toledo won. (see picture below).

A young Eddie Rickenbacker grew up near Driving Park and became a race driver. During WW 1, he was America's top flying ace. In 1927, he bought the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He sold it to tony Hulman in 1945.

Driving Park was closed and turned into a subdivision in 1925. The neighborhood is still called Driving Park.

http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2013/04/07/endurance-car-racing-started-here.html

[Warmwater]

Great photo. Look at the size of the flywheel!
And he should really move the seat forward. 

[F1fanaticBD]

Thank you Cossie