Yearbook Motorsport 2029 (PDF)

More than a century of motorsport history

Yearbook Motorsport 2029 is an archive dedicated to the history of motor racing and motorsport, from the first competitions organised at the end of the 19th century to the major international disciplines of the modern era.

The story begins in 1894, with the Paris–Rouen competition organised by Le Petit Journal. This 126-kilometre event, often regarded as the first major automobile competition, was a landmark in the history of motor racing. It was not based solely on speed: reliability, ease of use and vehicle design were also among the criteria considered.

From these early experiments, motorsport gradually became more structured. City-to-city races, Grand Prix, endurance events, oval racing and international championships would give rise to disciplines and competitions that continue to shape automotive history more than a century later.

Yearbook Motorsport 2029 brings this history together in the form of a reference publication. Its purpose is not to tell the story of a single discipline or a single season, but to allow readers to explore different periods and find the major champions, winners and results that have shaped the great competitions of motorsport.

Among the major events in this history is the Indianapolis 500, whose first edition was held in 1911. Ray Harroun won the inaugural race driving a Marmon, beginning one of the most famous records in motorsport.

Endurance racing also occupies an essential place in this chronology. The 24 Hours of Le Mans began in 1923 with the first 24-hour Grand Prix of Endurance. Thirty-three cars representing twenty manufacturers took part in that inaugural edition, which would become one of the most iconic events in automotive history.

Over the decades, names changed, technologies evolved and new competitions emerged. The great eras of Grand Prix racing, Formula 1, endurance racing, American racing, rallying, touring cars, single-seaters and modern motorsport all form part of this shared history.

The Yearbook allows readers to explore these developments through champions, winners and results, placing historical data ahead of commentary. A season can be viewed within its era, a driver can be traced through the record of a competition, and different periods can be compared throughout the pages.

This approach makes the book a genuine reference tool. It can be opened to look up a specific result, browsed to rediscover a forgotten period, or kept as a broad record of more than a century of motor racing.

From 1894 to 2029, motorsport has experienced the first competition cars, major road races, the emergence of permanent circuits, Grand Prix, endurance classics, World Championships and new forms of competition. This succession of eras has created an exceptionally rich history, shaped by drivers, manufacturers, teams, circuits and races that have become part of motorsport heritage.

Yearbook Motorsport 2029 transforms this history into a physical archive designed to be consulted and preserved. It is intended for enthusiasts looking to find a particular result, as well as collectors, historians and readers simply curious to understand how the major competitions have developed since the beginnings of motorsport.

More than a book of records, it is a gateway into 135 years of motor racing history.

From 1894 to 2029. More than a century of champions, winners and results. An archive through which to explore the history of motorsport and preserve it for the future.