WHARFEDALES ED BURY AND PARTNER LINDSAY TAKE ON IRELANDS GORDEN BENNETT
Although this report is in Ed's own words, I should initially point out that Ed & Lindsay had every intention of doing the event in their TR7 V8. I know Ed had been valiantly battling to get the car finished in time, but unfortunately it wasn't to be. So their Triumph Acclaim stood in. Ed continues.
June 2nd brought the signing on for this years Gordon Bennett run in Ireland based in Portlaoise and the surrounding towns and villages. This year is the 120th anniversary of the actual race and the 20th anniversary of this commemorative run.
A bit of history first, Gordon Bennett was the profligate son of a New York newspaper magnate. He was a ‘wild child’ when young and eventually sent by his parents to Paris after urinating in the grand piano at a party on Long Island in the home of his fiancées parents. In Paris he took up interests in motor cars, aeroplanes and balloon flights. Some events still carry his name today.
He was instrumental in starting motor racing from Paris to Lyons, or Vienna. The 1902 race was won by an Englishman, Selwyn Edge. As was the custom, the next year the race would be in the country of the winning driver ( a little like Eurovision nowadays). But in England such speeds were not legal on the roads, so Ireland was put forward as an alternative. The Irish embraced the opportunity and the race was set to go. Unlike all the previous races, the roads were closed for the race because of their narrowness and use by farm animals. This was thus the direct forerunner of F1 today.
Back to the present, the run began on Saturday with 150 cars and crew of 25 more, many drivers and navigators in period dress. The free buffet at signing on provided by Portlaoise College was just the start of Irish hospitality! There was lunch in a marquee at a country house supplied free of charge by the wealthy owners. Afternoon refreshments at one of just 2 Quaker villages in Ireland. A fun day in Kildare put on for our benefit by the town’s worthies and a gala at Monasterevin with free afternoon tea! What with the gala dinner and the closing barbecue the 3 days were a feast of food and driving!
We followed the route of the original race on Sunday, with Saturday and Monday touring Irish villages and sights. Speakers at various stops gave background on local history and aspects of the original race.
All in All, a great trip!!
Ed & Lindsay