"the oldest motoring event in the world"

The Veteran Car Run  is the oldest motoring event in the world, dating back from 1896. The first event was in celebration of the repeal of the 1865 Locomotive Act - also known as the Red Flag Act .

This act put in place a mandatory 4mph speed limit for all mechanically propelled vehicles, and was enforced by the vehicle having to be proceeded by a man carrying a red flag - to warn pedestrians and horses of the approach of the infernal contraption being driven along the road.

http://karlmccracken.sweat365.com/2009/11/06/bring-back-the-1865-locomotive-act/