Gaston de Chasseloup-Laubat facts for kids
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Count Charles-François Gaston Louis Prosper de Chasseloup-Laubat (born June 7, 1866 – died November 20, 1903) was a French aristocrat and a famous race car driver. He is best known for setting the very first official land speed record for automobiles.
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Who Was Charles de Chasseloup-Laubat?
Charles de Chasseloup-Laubat was born in Paris, France. His father, Prosper, was a Marquis and served as a minister in the French government. His mother, Marie-Louise Pilié, was American. Charles grew up in a time when cars were brand new and very exciting!
Setting the First Speed Record
On December 18, 1898, Charles made history. He set the first ever recognized automobile land speed record. This happened in Achères, France. He drove a special Jeantaud electric car.
The competition was organized by a French car magazine called La France Automobile. Charles drove one kilometer (about 0.6 miles) in just 57 seconds. This meant his average speed was 63.13 km/h (39.23 mph). Imagine how fast that felt back then!
Racing for Speed Records
Charles loved to go fast. He kept trying to break his own records. On January 17, 1899, he reached 66.65 km/h (41.41 mph). This started an exciting series of speed duels. His main rival was another driver named Camille Jenatzy.
Just ten days later, Jenatzy beat Charles's record. He reached an amazing 80.35 km/h (49.93 mph). But Charles didn't give up! On March 4, 1899, he took the record back. He pushed his speed to 92.69 km/h (57.59 mph).
The back-and-forth battle continued. Finally, on April 29, 1899, Jenatzy made history. He was the first person to drive a car over 100 km/h (62.14 mph). His record speed was 105 km/h (65.24 mph). This record stood for three years.
A Special Race Victory
Besides setting speed records, Charles also won a big race. In 1897, he won the Marseille-La Turbie long-distance race. He drove a steam-powered vehicle built by Trépardoux & Cie. This company later became De Dion-Bouton.
His win was very special. It was the only major city-to-city race ever won by a steam car. Most races were won by gasoline-powered cars.
Later Life
Charles de Chasseloup-Laubat passed away in Le Cannet, France, when he was 37 years old. He had been ill for two years. He is remembered as a pioneer in early automobile racing.
