The letter that Sir David Salomons of the Automobile Club of Great Britain wrote to the French automobile club, the ACF is not only shown her, bur also commente in this Augsut 16 issue of The Horseless Age. Yes, discussion between some national automobile clubs on the new rules, was already on it’s way and became transparent to some extent.
Text and photos with courtesy of hathitrust hathitrust.org, compiled by motorracingistory.com.
THE HORSELESS AGE – Vol. IV, No. 20, August 16, 1899
Sir David Salomons‘ Letter.
Sir David Salomons‘ letter to the Automobile Club de France, in reference to the Gordon Bennett International Racing Cup, is worthy of the attention of that body. The two suggestions it embodies will receive the general approval of all interested in the sport of motor racing. In the drafting of the rules which are to govern the races and the awarding of an international cup it would seem only fair that all clubs eligible to compete should have a voice. For their own information the committee of the Automobile Club de France should seek the co-operation of similar organizations in order that the fullest light may be shed on the important matters they have to decide.
The second suggestion is equally timely. Why the donor of the cup should have limited the competition to electric and gasoline vehicles is not clear. It is apparently an unnecessary and unwise restriction. The best interests of the sport will be subserved by opening wide the gate to all comers, whatever the motive power used, provided, of course, the vehicle is not inherently dangerous, an exception which is always implied in motor discussion.
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Rules for the Gordon Bennett International Racing Cup.
The following is a copy of a letter sent to the secretary of the Automobile Club de France by Sir David Salomons, chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee of the Automobile Club of Great Britain:
„July 22, 1899.
„Sir: The committee of this club understand that Mr. Gordon Bennett in instituting an international automobile cup placed in the hands of your committee the framing of the regulations affecting racing for this cup.
„The committee of this club do not desire for one moment to interfere with the committee of the Automobile Club de France in the framing of those rules; but they have asked me to convey to your committee the hope that the Automobile Club de France may be so good as to call a meeting of delegates of the other recognized automobile clubs, in order that they may place before your committee, for consideration, representations as to provisions which might fittingly be incorporated in the rules. Possibly, in view of the fact that the cup is to be international, the committee of the Automobile Club de France may see their way to accede to this suggestion.
I am also desired to state that the committee of this club trust that the Automobile Club de France will approach Mr. Gordon Bennett with a view to an alteration of one of the conditions under which it is understood he is presenting the cup-namely: that competing vehicles should be confined to those propelled by electricity and motor spirit. It is hoped that the best influence of your committee will be used to induce Mr. Gordon Bennett to open the competition to all self-propelled road vehicles, irrespective of their motive power.
„I have the honor to be, sir,
„Your obedient servant,
„DAVID SALOMONS, „Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee.“