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The first known motor road race in history.


Background[]

During the 1830's there were numerous experiments in order to create a more flexible and faster form of human transportation. The current standard was that of the rail road in which most engineering firms were quite conservative in their approach as developing for rail was a highly profitable venture.

Whilst there was admission that the "road locomotive" would eventually replace the rail road as a primary method of transport, only the most experimental of engineers dared investigating and developing the costly and what was in the short term, an unprofitable venture.

Nonetheless there was some daring engineers who continued to push forward road technology. In an attempt to publicise the developments in the road locomotive, the magazine, The Engineer organised a motor race in Manchester, United Kingdom to see which of the road locomotives could complete the 13 kilometre distance between Ashton-Under-Lyn and Old Trafford the fastest.

The contest would be between two different companies whom would each enter their own creations of the road locomotive. The race would begin at 4:30AM and would cover a distance of eight miles between Ashton-under-Lyn and Old Trafford.

Entry list[]

Driver Entrant
Mr Schmidt United Kingdom Daniel Adamson & Co.
United Kingdom Thomas Boulton United Kingdom Isaac W.Boulton

Race[]

The Daniel Adamson car which was described as more powerful had pulled away first, however after the first mile, the more nimble Thomas Boulton car had overtaken the Adamson car and would hold the lead until the end of the race.

Results[]

Pos. Driver
1 United Kingdom Thomas Boulton
2 Mr Schmidt

Milestones[]

Standings after race[]

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