Monday 21st April 1902

William K. Vanderbilt Jr., driving a Mercedes-Simplex at Ablis, France, made land speed record runs of 67.78 mph and 69.04 mph – although setting a new standard for gasoline-powered cars the runs were not officially recognized and failed to exceed Leon Serpolletís 8-day-old record of 75.06 mph in a steam-powered Serpollet.