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Human beings have raced things for a very long time, starting with themselves. Racing cars was probably inevitable, and it began very early in their history.

In 1887, a French bicycling newspaper, Le Velocipede Illustre, sponsored an attempt at what might have been the first motor race. The newspaper had previously sponsored cross country bicycle racing, a tradition that remains very strong in modern France. Unfortunately, the event may or may not count. Only one entrant showed up, Georges Bouton driving a car from his own de Dion-Bouton company (a member of the de Dion family came along as a passenger).

Thus, the first true auto race should be considered to be the Concours des Voitures sans Chevaux (Competition of Carriages Without Horses). This race was a cross country, long distance race from Paris to Rouens, a distance of 128 kilometers. It took place, after a 50 kilometer qualifying heat, on July 22, 1894. The very first motor race also saw the very first disqualification. The best time was Comte Jules-Albert de Dion, in, of course, a de Dion steam car. However, the judges also expected the cars to be safe, easy to handle and not cost a lot to run. They decided that the steam car’s requirement for a stoker fell outside this. The first winner of the first motor race was, therefore, Georges Lemaitre, driving a Peugeot.