The race began as part of a week-long festival organized by local officials in the town of Saint-Gaudens designed to attract tourists.
The hilly terrain allowed for excellent viewing close to the beginning and end of the race from atop a hill at the outskirts of Saint-Gaudens.
The course layout was modified a few times beginning with changes made to accommodate holding the official French Grand Prix in 1928.
However, his car hurtled directly towards a large group of spectators gathered off to the side of the road but hit a small tree and smashed to the ground without injuring anyone.
Due to a controversy over vehicle regulations, both the 1937 and 1938 races had to be cancelled when major factory teams boycotted the event.