Macau Grand Prix

The Macau Grand Prix dates back to the spring of 1954, the 3 Macao residents and motor fanatics, Fernando Macedo Pinto, Carlos da Silva and Paulo Antas, discussed the possibility of holding a motorized treasure hunt, and there were only around 300 cars in the whole of Macao at that time.

Paul Dutoit, founding father of the Hong Kong Motor Sports Club, suggested bearing a striking resemblance to the most famous street circuit of them all, Monaco. So, the idea of holding not a treasure hunt, but a Grand Prix instead was planted and, when the Macao authorities were immediately supportive of the plan. The first Macau Grand Prix was held on 30 and 31 October 1954, with Eddie Carvalho of Portugal driving a Triumph TR2 taking the inaugural victory. A Le Mans-style start which saw the drivers run to their cars and cover the most distance in the allotted time would win the race. This style was held for the first and only time. 

After the first Macau Grand Prix was held successfully and word began to spread further afield. In 1955, Macau Grand Prix ran at a much faster pace, with the increasing stature of the event came more support from the Macao government, and the first permanent pit facility incorporating 10 garages and seating for 300, plus a new starting light system, which was installed on the temporary footbridge in front of the start line were new additions for the 3^rd Macau Grand Prix in 1956. The longest running Grand Prix ever, a mammoth of 77 laps.