20th Anniversary
Gordon Bennett Irish Classic Run 2023
We Look Forward To Seeing You All In Our 20th Anniversary this 2023. Open to cars 30 years old or over only
Gordon Bennet Classic’s History
Gordon Bennett Cup Race is often referred to as the race that saved motorsport and was the first to be held on a closed circuit.
On Thursday, 2 July 1903 the Gordon Bennett Cup was the first international motor race to be held in Ireland, an honorific to Selwyn Edge who had won the 1902 event in the Paris-Vienna race driving a Napier. The Automobile Club of Great Britain and Ireland wanted the race to be hosted in the British Isles, and their secretary, Claude Johnson, suggested Ireland as the venue because racing was illegal on British public roads. The editor of the Dublin Motor News, Richard J. Mecredy, suggested an area in County Kildare, and letters were sent to 102 Irish MPs, 90 Irish peers, 300 newspapers, 34 chairmen of county and local councils, 34 County secretaries, 26 mayors, 41 railway companies, 460 hoteliers, 13 PPs, plus the Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, Patrick Foley, who pronounced himself in favour.
The Gordon Bennet Irish Classic Run 2023
20th Anniversary Run
This fun run takes place over the June Bank Holiday with the midland County of Laois in Ireland as the event base. Also covering other Counties including Carlow and Kildare, all three of which were chosen for the original 1903 race. This historic route offers visitors many interesting and scenic locations in the region, while celebrating and discovering ” The Race that saved Motor Sport”.
Get your entry in early for the 20th Anniversary Run?
The Gordon Bennett Classic is so popular that each year many are left disappointed and leave it too late to apply. To enter your vehicle in the Gordon Bennett Irish Classic Run click the green button below. Each vehicle entered must complete an individual entry form. Proceed to purchase the optional Gala Dinner tickets, and additional driver and BBQ tickets which will be added to your order.
The Gordon Bennett Route
The Gordon Bennett Route takes you on a historic journey across the spectacular Irish countryside. While the famous Gordon Bennett route was raced by the world’s greatest daredevils at record-breaking speeds in 1903, we suggest you set yourself at a much easier pace. Relax, follow in the footsteps of our motoring pioneers taking time to enjoy the breathtaking scenery along the way.
Our Recent News
Team Gordon Bennett at Birmingham NEC last weekend.
Thank you to Laois LCDC, Laois Partnership Company, European Agricultural Rural Development Fund and Laois County Council and the Department of...
The Story Behind The Titanic Ghost
We have been very lucky to have had The Titanic Ghost at a number of our Gordon Bennett, Irish Classic Car Runs, and it truly is a joy to behold. A...
Gordon Bennett Irish Classic Car Run JUNE BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND – June 3rd – 6th 2022
The original Gordon Bennett Race was run in 1903 by the playboy son of the founder of the New York Herald, Gordon Bennett which sped through the...
Supported By
Funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development
Join the 20th Anniversary Run This 2023
The Gordon Bennett Route takes you on a historic journey across the spectacular Irish countryside. While the famous Gordon Bennett route was raced by the world’s greatest daredevils at record-breaking speeds in 1903, we suggest you set yourself at a much easier pace.