GORDON BENNETT CUP in AUTO RACING

The Gordon Bennett Cup was established by James Gordon Bennett, Jr., millionaire owner of the New York Herald. The automobile racing award was first given in 1900 in France.
                                                                                           
                                                                                           

The trophy was awarded annually until 1905, after which the Automobile Club de France (ACF) held the first Grand Prix motor racing event at the Circuit de la Sarthe, in Le Mans.

The Gordon Bennett Cup auto races drew entrants from across Europe including future aviator Henry Farman. Also from the United States competitors such as Alexander Winton driving his Winton automobile. Under the rules , the races were hosted in the country of the previous year's winner.

                                                                                                                 

As the races were between national teams, it led to the reorganization and standardizaion of  national racing colours. The British adopted shamrock green which became British racing green. France red, white and blue. Germany red, white and black. United States red.