On 27 September 1913, three pilots took part in the French qualifying race for the Gordon-Bennett Air Race, which was held above Reims as part of a major aerial gathering. The race involved flying a 100-kilometer course, and Maurice Prévost won with an average speed of 191 kilometers per hour, finishing in 31 minutes, 22 seconds, and 2/5 of a second. Jules Védrines came in second with a time of 32 minutes and 28 seconds, and the third-place finisher, whose name is not provided, recorded 33 minutes, 45 seconds, and 4/5 of a second. Maurice Prévost, a licensed pilot since 1911, flew a Deperdussin monoplane, a type of single-wing aircraft popular during the early days of aviation. His plane was powered by a 160-horsepower Gnome engine, a common power source for aircraft of that era, and included a Chauvière propeller and Oléo spark plugs, which were essential components for ignition and performance. Jules Védrines, who also used a 160-horsepower engine, competed with a similar type of aircraft, reflecting the standard equipment of the time. The event took place in early autumn 1913 as part of a broader aerial meeting in Reims, a city in northeastern France known for its historical significance and growing interest in aviation. These gatherings were important for showcasing the progress of flight technology and the skills of early aviators. They also served as a platform for pilots to demonstrate their abilities in preparation for international competitions like the Gordon-Bennett Air Race, which was one of the most prestigious aviation contests of the period. At the time, aviation was still in its infancy, and such races were not only tests of speed and skill but also public spectacles that captured the imagination of people around the world. The competition in Reims highlighted the rapid development of flight technology and the competitive spirit among early aviators, who were pushing the boundaries of what was possible in the air.