Is auto racing a royal hobby?

The noise of motors on the black asphalt ... the tension and of course 
the competition. Who will win the race? Who will lose? 

Car racing certainly is a nice hobby for everyone who likes cars, 
technique and especially speed. 

But what's the history of Car racing and which royals love(d) the
high speed of cars. Read it in the following paragraphs.

own picture taken in 2013 in Monaco

History

The first prearranged match race of two self-powered
road vehicles over a prescribed route took place on 30 August 1867. 

On 28 April 1887, the first organized contest took place. This was
organized by the chief editor of Paris publication Le Vélocipède,

Monsieur Fossier. It ran 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) from Neuilly Bridge
to the Bois de Boulogne near Paris. It was won by George Bouton.

He used a car constructed by Albert, the Comte de Dion. 

On 22 July 1894, the Parisian magazine Le Petit Journal organized the world's
first motoring competition from Paris to Rouen in France. 69 cars stared the

50 km (31 mi) selections. 

In 1907 the Peking to Paris race, which covered 9.317 miles, was won by 
the Italian Prince Scipione Borghese. 

The Aspendale Racecourse in Australia, was the world's first purpose-built
motor racing circuit. It opened in January 1906. 

From 1953 sport car racing had its own FIA sanctioned World Championship. 

However a lot of countries have their own auto racing history and their
champions. Let's take a closer look to the royals who love car racing. 

Countries

Austria

Ferdinand Zvonimir Habsburg - Lotharingen (born in 1997)  is a rally racer
from Austria. He is the son of Karl of Habsburg and
Francesca Thyssen - Bornemisza.

Alexander Kolowrat - born in New Jersey - United States - in 1886
filmed car race in 1909 at the Semmering Pass. He died in 1927 in
Vienna. 

Belgium

In January 1886 the Royal Automobile Club of Belgium (RACB) was 
founded. Most of its presidents were members of the noble families of
Belgium inter alia Robert d'Ursel, Count Gérard de Liedekerke and 
more. 

Germany

Albert von Thurn und Taxis (born in 1983) is an enthusiastic race driver
- vice champion (2007/2008)

- champion (2010)

at the Adac GT Masters in Germany. 

Italy

The Italian Grand Prix is the fifth oldest National Grand Prix. It was held
since 1921. 

Count Carlo Felice Trossi was one of the most famous Italian race car 
drivers and auto constructors as well. He had worked for 3 different teams:
Mercedes-Benz;

Alfa Romeo;

Maserati. 

Monaco

The Monaco Grand Prix is a Formula One motor race held annually
on the Circuit de Monaco, on the last weekend in May. 

It was first organized in 1929 by Antony Noghès under the auspices of
Prince Louis II of Monaco, through the Automobile Club de Monaco of
which he was the president. 

The first race was held on 14 April 1929 and it was won by
William Grover-Williams. He also was a special agent for the
Special Operations Executive (SOE). He was captured and executed by
the Nazis. 

Spain

King Alfonso XIII of Spain also liked cars. Hispano-Suiza was his favourite.

Hispano-Suiza also made race cars! 

Picture by Geert Janssens 

Sweden

Prince Carl Philip of Sweden also enjoys car racing, a passion inherited 
from his great uncle and godfather, Prince Bertil of Sweden. 
Prince Carl Philip has a licence to take part in competitions. 

The Netherlands

* Prince Bernhard of The Netherlands liked to drive fast with his cars. 
* Prince Bernhard of Orange-Nassau van Vollenhoven -  is the owner -
together with Menno de Jong of the Circuit Zandvoort in The Netherlands

United Kingdom

The British Grand Prix was held since 1926. It was organised by the
Royal Automobile Club. It was Sir Arthur Stanley who was the
chairman of this club. 

Acknowledge

A special acknowledge for @NettyRoyal  from the lovely blog 
www.nettyroyal.nl

and for @empressofHaB from the lovely blog:

empressofHaB.wordpress.com.

and for @GeertJanssens68

Thank you all for your help and your knowledge! 

Source pictures: Wikipecia 

- Grand Prix of Monaco (first picture) own picture taken in 2013