Gordon Bennett Irish Classic Run 2025

We Look Forward To Seeing You All In 2025. 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 NewsRichard 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 2025

This fun run takes place over the June Bank Holiday weekend from Friday 30th of May to Monday 2nd of June 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”.

Gordon Bennett Irish Classic Run 2025 is now Fully Booked!

Thank you for your incredible support – the Gordon Bennett Irish Classic Run 2025 is now fully booked. Due to overwhelming demand, all available spaces have been filled, and we are no longer accepting vehicle entries or additional ticket purchases.

We understand that many enthusiasts look forward to this event each year, and we’re sorry we can’t accommodate everyone. If you missed out this time, we encourage you to register early for next year to avoid disappointment.

Stay tuned for event updates and highlights – and thank you for being part of the classic motoring community!

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.

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Proudly Sponsored by EFox Engineers

Proudly Sponsored by EFox Engineers

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NEC Attendance Birmingham 2023

NEC Attendance Birmingham 2023

Thank you to Laois LCDC, Laois Partnership Company, European Agricultural Rural Development Fund and Laois County Council and the Department of...

Supported By

Funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development