This Day in History: 1894-07-22

French newspaper Le Petit Journal sponsors the world’s first automobile  race on this day in 1894.  The race course ran from Paris northwest to Rouen, 127 km (79 mi) and attracted 75 entries. The official winner was Albert Lemaître (of Peugeot), with a time of six hours and 52 minutes.    Journal editor Pierre Giffard, a pioneer of modern political reporting, organized the event to stimulate public  interest in motoring and to encourage French  manufacturing. Sporting events, including horse and bicycle races, were also well-known circulation boosters.