Motor racing at the 1936 Summer Olympics explained

Motor racing was held as an unofficial exhibition event, the "Olympic Rally", alongside the 1936 Summer Olympics.

Event

Little is known about the competition, though gold medals are known to have been awarded to Betty Haig of Great Britain (and her co-driver, either Joyce Lambert or Barbara Marshall^{[1] [2]}) in a Singer Le Mans,^[3] as well as Paul Abt of Switzerland in a Riley Falcon.^[4]

According to the official rules and regulations document, points were awarded for crossing certain checkpoints, with all racers who surpassed 2,000 points being awarded a gold medal, 1,000 points getting a silver, and all others who completed the course getting a bronze.^[2]

Some sources claim that Fritz Huschke von Hanstein of Germany was awarded a silver trophy.^{[2] [5]}

Notes and References

1. Walsh . Mick . 1 August 2019 . A Life in Cars . Classic & Sports Car .
2. Web site: Paul Abt Olympic medal winner 1936 . Riley cars . 2023-07-30 . 2024-01-30.
3. Web site: Mair . George . Car driven by the Scot known as Britain's fastest lady sold at auction . The Scotsman . 2022-11-20 . 2024-01-30.
4. Web site: Daniel . Strohl . Yes, Auto Racing Was Once an Olympic Sport. It Was Absolute Bonkers . Hemmings. 2024-01-30.
5. Web site: 1936 Olympic Silver Trophy Given at the Sternfahrt Motorsports Rally . Nate D. Sanders Auctions . 2015-03-26 . 2024-01-30.