In 1895, Chicago held what is probably the first car race in the US. It started near the Museum of Science and Industry, travelled to Evanston, and returned in a day. There were VERY FEW cars that could be run in this race, and the race was postponed twice as all the entrants for the earlier dates in 1895 backed out as they were unready. Sponsored by the Chicago Times-Helald, the prize for first place was $5,000 (worth more than the price of a new Tesla Roadster, in todays dolllars.) After the earlier dates were postponed, it was held on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 1895. Initially planned for Chicago to Milwaukee, it was shortened to a 54 mile round trip to Evanston from the former Palace of Fine Arts at the Columbian Exposition (the building later became the Museum of Science and Industry)
Only six entrants were able to arrive for the race, two of which were electric, and two of which were two wheeled motorcycles. As the event started, snow began to fall, accumulating to several inches during the race. Really strange things happened during the race. One car slid off the road, and broke the suspension and frame. It was towed to a blacksmith, who rewelded the pieces, and the car continued. One car was retired after hitting a horse. Only two vehicles finished, with Charles Duryea being declared first. Karl Benz (yes, that Benz) had entered a car driven by Oscar Mueller. Unfortunately Oscar Mueller had passed out while driving his Benz, and the car frinished (and took second) because the umpire (Charles Brady King) who was riding along took the controls and finished. So much for referees and umpires not getting involved. Winning time for the 54 mile course was 7:53, which calculated to an average speed of 7 MPH. The Benz of Mueller/King was more than an hour and a half later than the Duryea.
I was lucky enough to participate in a recreation of this race, 100 years later in 1995.
As a part of the Chicago Auto Show, an EV only recreation of this race will occur on February 15. See the press release from CATA copied below:
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
***MEDIA ADVISORY***
AMERICA'S FIRST MOTOR VEHICLE RACE RECREATED WITH ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Electric Vehicles Depart from Chicago Auto Show, Re-trace Course to Evanston
WHAT: For the first time in more than 118 years, America's first Motor Vehicle Race will be recreated - with a slight twist. This time around with electric vehicles only, the Electrified Vehicle Rally will depart from the Chicago Auto Show and re-trace the same route from the original 1895 Chicago Times-Herald motor race.
WHEN: Friday, February 15; Depart at 10 a.m. from McCormick Place / Chicago Auto Show
WHERE: McCormick Place; Gate 41 in the West Building (corner of Indiana and Cermak; park on Indiana from 9:30-10 a.m.)
SCHEDULE:
8-8:30 a.m. Electric vehicles staged at Gate 41, McCormick Place
8:30-10 a.m. Media opportunities
9-10:30 a.m. Driver familiarity and driver's briefing
10 a.m. Rally begins, drivers depart
11 a.m. Rally stops at Dawes Park, Evanston
11:30 a.m. Rally leaves Dawes Park en-route to Chicago's Center for Green Technology
12:30 p.m. Rally stops at Chicago's Center for Green Technology; tour and lunch provided
1:25 p.m. Rally leaves CCGT, en-route for southern leg
2:15 p.m. Rally returns to McCormick Place
WHY: As electric vehicles become an increasingly popular alternative to gasoline-powered cars, the Electrified Vehicle Rally will recreate the historic Chicago Times-Herald motor race - America's first - this time with all electric vehicles. While electric vehicle rallies are fairly common on the West coast and warmer regions, the Chicago Electrified Vehicle Rally aims to prove these fuel-alternative vehicles fare well even in colder climates.
WHO: The following vehicles will depart from McCormick Place and the Chicago Auto Show:
Chevrolet Volt
Fisker Karma
Ford C-max Energie
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
Nissan Leaf
Tesla Model F
Tesla Roadster
Toyota Prius
Toyota Prius C
Toyota Prius PHEV
Volkswagen Passat TDI
VIA Motors EREV Silverado
Smith Electric Delivery Vehicle
*Media are encourage to ride along in vehicles
Please contact Mark Bilek (mbilek@drivechicago.com) or Jennifer Morand (jmorand@drivechicago.com) to set up interviews with manufacturers.
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About the Chicago Auto Show
The Chicago Auto Show is the largest on the continent, spanning more than 1 million square feet of production, concept, and exotic vehicle exhibit space. In addition to hosting multiple world and North American vehicle debuts, the Chicago Auto Show's First Look for Charity raises more than $2 million annually for 18 worthy Chicago organizations in a single night. The 2013 public show will be February 9-18. For more information please visit ChicagoAutoShow.com or Facebook.com/ChicagoAutoShow.
About The Chicago Automobile Trade Association
Founded in 1904, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association is the nation's oldest and largest metropolitan dealer organization. It is comprised of about 400 franchised new-car dealers and an additional 150 allied members. The group's dealer members employ about 19,000 people in the metropolitan area. The association has produced the world famous Chicago Auto Show since 1935. For more information please visit CATA.info.
The 2013 Chicago Auto Show is officially sanctioned by the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers. Founded in Paris in 1919, it is known as the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles.
