What began as a challenge in a Parisian Newspaper in 1907 culminated in a race that would span two continents and over nine thousand miles. Completing the Peking(now Beijing) to Paris motor race was a difficult challenge to say the least. At a time when automobiles were relativly new this challenge presented a unique opportunity to pioneer in a familiar world using new technology and old fashion determination. The original racers were in for a long haul crossing terrain that had previously only been attempted on horseback. Traversing ravines and deserts not meant to handle automobiles was an ardous task.

Originaly forty entrants cast there lots in the race, with only five teams actually going through with it. Of the five teams that began the race only four of the teams managed to finish. The winner Prince Scipione Borghese drove an Itala model (7 litre, 7433 cc, 35/45hp engine) to Paris first to claim victory and become a testament to the Italian's automotive supremacy at the time.

The success of the Peking to Paris race was instumental in spawning the New York to Paris race that was held the next year in 1908. This race was also followed with much fanfair, having daily coverage in internation newspapers. The significance of these two races was inmeasurable at the time. To prove the dependability of the automobile in all climates and terrain was just what this relativly new industry needed.

As the years past several other races have been held to re-enact and celebrate the original 1907 race. However during most of the 20th century the race could not be re-enacted in its entirty due to the establishment of the USSR and travel restrictions. However in the early 1990's these restrictions were lifted and racers once again could partake in this grand trek. The race as it is known today follows a similar route in terms of length, however it is a more southernly route than was used by the original racers.

So once again, in 2010, racers from around the world will gather in Peking to take the historic trail blazed over a hundred years ago. During the race they will visit many countries including China, Mongolia, Iran, Turkey, Italy and many others. These 100+ racers are in for the times of there lives as they compete in the longest contiguous land car race in the world. The trip will be long, the road streaching on... good luck racers. Paris or Bust.