The sport of automobile racing is arguably about 130-years old, assuming you subscribe to the notion that the first organized race, using gasoline-powered internal combustion engines, occurred in France in 1887. But looking back across this 130-year history, there are a number of significant events that stand out from the rest, events like the Vanderbilt Cup races, the Targa Florio, the Mille Miglia, the British Grand Prix and the 24 Hours of Daytona. But within the pantheon of “the greatest races of all-time,” really only three events rise to the top, if for no other reason than the fact that they are the three oldest events still in continuous existence—The Monaco Grand Prix, the Indianapolis 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. After examining all three of this year’s events, I’ve come to the conclusion that Le Mans has now assumed the mantle as the true pinnacle of the sport. Let the invectives fly!
Of the three contenders, the Monaco Grand prix is the “youngest” event having had its inaugural running in 1929. Like the others, with the exception of World War II, it has been held every year since. Monaco holds a special place in the Grand Prix calendar as the grande dame, despite many for years decrying that Formula One has outgrown this ultra-tight, all but impossible to pass street circuit run through the tiny principality. Has F1 outgrown Monaco? If I’m honest, probably, but being the last of the old school circuits, bestows on Monaco a certain nostalgic connection to the history of Formula One that will likely insure its survival for at least the foreseeable future…assuming, of course, that Formula One doesn’t die of a self-inflicted wound in the near future.
