The second stage of the Gordon Bennett Rally passed through Carlow on July 2nd 1903. Charles Rolls of Rolls-Royce set a new speed record of 93mph (150km/h) in the Motor Speed trials part of the rally which were held in the Phoenix Park in Dublin. He was was driving an 80 hp Mors Car. Charles Rolls was born in 1877 On This Day
Photo by The National Archives UK
