NOVEMBER 28

On this date in 1895, the Chicago Times-Herald Race was held.  They put up the equivalent of about $150,000.00 for the first automobile race ever run in the U.S.  The course went from Chicago to Evanston, Illinois and back -  about 54 miles.

83 cars registered for the race but only six showed up.  Two of them were detained by Chicago police because they weren't allowed to run on the city streets - it was horse -drawn carriages only at that time.  A car made by German inventor Karl Benz and driven by Oscar Mueller was the first to the starting line.  Benz had two other 'cars' in the race which were two-wheeled models.  Charles Duryea had a motorized wagon.  Two other two-wheeled 'cars' started the race.

None of the two-wheeled 'cars' could handle the terrain very well.  Duryea won the race in just under eight hours - that's an average of about 7 mph.  The Benz finished second about 1-1/2 hours after the winner.  It was being driven by a substitute driver because Mueller went unconscious from the cold air during the race - it is cold in Chicago this time of year.   No other vehicles finished the race.

The race was huge news around the world.  It really stoked interest in automobile development.  Just 121 years ago today.
O_O

Everyone wish Amy and Jeff a happy anniversary today!!!  💑