Quote Originally Posted by Stan Reid View Post
The first multi-lap auto race run on a closed circuit that I can find was a 5 lap (5 mi.) race run on September 7 of 1896 at Providence, Rhode Island. Andrew Riker (some sources say the car was actually driven by C. H. Whiting) won out over a field of 8 cars driving a Riker Electric.

}corrections welcome{
The starting grid in which only seven hit the track. There were 12 entries but 5 were no shows including, reportedly, at least one steamer.

Providence_Horseless_Carriage_Race_1896.jpg click to enlarge