René de Knyff
Chevalier René de Knyff was a French pioneer of car racing and later a president of Commission Sportive Internationale, now known as FIA.
Between 1897 and 1903 he took part in 18 car races, 5 of which he won. He drove all the races in a Panhard & Levassor, wearing a captain cap which he always lost right after start. During his racing career, he was famous for his gentlemanship and sportsmanship. For example, during the Paris-Bordeaux race in 1895, he saw his great rival Fernand Charron who was sitting on the road next to his undependable car, tired and desperate. De Knyff stopped, asked Charron if he could help him somehow, gave him a glass of cognac and encouraged him to go on, which Charron did. He was a popular figure also due to his enormous beard, bohemian lifestyle, and interest in many other sports, such as tennis, shooting, cycling, and also hunting.Honours
