In the first American automobile race, the winning car’s average speed was 7mph!

[OMG]. The first automobile race was in Chicago in 1895 and sponsored by the newspaper. Six cars took part in the race and Charles Duryea won. The first automobiles were only introduced two years prior to the race.

The race took place in order to promote the automobiles and boost newspaper sales. The winner received $5,000! That is roughly equal to $139,000 today. Eighty-three cars originally entered the race, but only six actually showed up for it. The cars either couldn’t make the trip to the race or weren’t ready in time for it. After over 7 hours of racing going 7mph, Duryea won.