Detroit gearing up for 100 years of hydroplane racing

[Serious News]

Mike Brudenell, Detroit Free Press

This summer's APBA Gold Cup in Detroit will mark 100 years of powerboat racing on the Detroit River.

So expect a big splash at the "UAW-GM Spirit of Detroit Hydrofest featuring the APBA Gold Cup" event Aug. 27-28, when up to 13 unlimited hydroplanes could participate.

The recently formed Detroit Riverfront Events group is working closely with West Coast-based H1 Unlimited to make the Detroit race date bigger and better than ever.

"We are looking to improve the total event," said Detroit Riverfront Events member Douglas Bernstein, a longtime unlimited hydroplane booster and official. "We want to grow and sustain unlimited hydroplane plane racing in Detroit for another 100 years. We want to make this year's Gold Cup more than just a race -- we want to make it a Detroit event second to none."

In the past, the APBA Gold Cup in Detroit drew huge crowds to the river. In its heyday, in the 1960s and '70s, hundreds of thousands watched the big Thunder Boats roar down the Detroit River course.

Bernstein and his group saw the Hydrofest regain some of its former glory last year with the backing of the UAW-GM Center for Human Resources.

The racing was fast and furious, with Jimmy Shane (Miss Madison Racing) winning the unlimited final in thrilling fashion.

"We had just 67 days in 2015 to put the race together," Bernstein said. "Thanks to the UAW-GM, we have a lot more time to make this a classic this summer."

Bernstein is also looking for volunteers to work the August Gold Cup event.

Tickets are already on sale for the 2016 APBA Gold Cup weekend in Detroit. For information, visit detroitboatraces.com. For sponsorship opportunities, call the office of the Detroit Riverfront Events Inc. at 313-329-8047.

http://www.freep.com/story/sports/motor/2016/03/22/detroit-gold-cup-hydroplanes/82119250/

[Serious News]

Hydroplane racing became a tradition in Detroit when designer Christopher Columbus Smith (of Chris-Craft Boats) built a Detroit-based boat that would crack the 60 miles-per-hour speed barrier, capturing the Gold Cup in 1915. The first major race to be run on the Detroit River was the 1916 APBA Gold Cup.

The community-owned Miss Detroit won the Gold Cup in 1915 on Manhasset Bay, outside of New York City, and earned the right to defend it the following year on home waters. Miss Detroit was a single-step hydroplane, equipped with a 250-horsepower Sterling engine. The designer was the distinguished Christopher Columbus Smith of Chris-Craft fame.

[Serious News]

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[Serious News]

Gold Cup boat races to return to Detroit River in 2016
Mike Brudenell, Detroit Free Press

The event was held this year on the Columbia River in Kennewick, Wash., but organizers are bringing it back

Jimmy Shane will be shooting for three APBA Gold Cup victories in a row when the historic H1 unlimited hydroplane race returns to the Detroit River on Aug. 20-21, 2016.

Shane, 29, of Renton, Wash., drove to victory in the Gold Cup in the Motor City in 2014.

The famous race was held Sunday on the Columbia River in Kennewick, Wash., where Shane drove his U-1 Oberto/Miss Madison to the win.

After a year hiatus, the newly formed Detroit Riverfront Events Inc., headed by former Gold Cup driver/race director Mark Weber, is bringing the oldest active trophy in motor sports back to the river.

Shane, one of the new generation of unlimited hydroplane drivers, is quickly filling the void left by the recent retirements of Dave Villwock and Steve David.

The return of the Gold Cup to Detroit in 2016 — it was first held on the Detroit River in 1916, when Bernard Smith won with Miss Minneapolis — has been made possible by the work of Weber and his DRE group with sponsorship and support from UAW-GM.

Paving the way for the return of the Gold Cup to Detroit next year, a UAW-GM Spirit of Detroit Hydrofest will be held next month on the Detroit River.

It will feature a number of boats that participated in the 2015 HAPO APBA Gold Cup in Kennewick over the weekend, plus Grand Prix and Formula 2 tunnel boats.

"The UAW-GM partnership has contributed to the reshaping of the automotive world and its workers, and they are going to be a major contributor in reshaping the City of Detroit and its people," Weber said in a release Monday. "Bringing the APBA Gold Cup back to Detroit for the 100th-year anniversary is something truly special. But we have so much to look forward to even before the Gold Cup's return."

All general admission parks will be free and open to the public to watch racing at this year's UAW-GM Spirit of Detroit Hydrofest, Aug. 22-23.

Grandstand seating starts at $45, with VIP Club Gold Cup tickets at $175.

There are a limited number of RV camping spots available on-site.

To purchase tickets to the Hydrofest or reserve camping space, call 313-329-8047.

Visit www.detroitboatraces.com for more information on the UAW-GM Spirit of Detroit Hydrofest.

http://www.freep.com/story/sports/motor/2015/07/27/detroit-apba-gold-cup-2016/30757631/

[Serious News]

http://i730.photobucket.com/albums/ww310/ptrose/detroit%20gold%20cup%202016.jpg (http://s730.photobucket.com/user/ptrose/media/detroit%20gold%20cup%202016.jpg.html)

[Serious News]

List of Gold Cup winners

Year-Driver-Boat

1904 Carl C. Riotte Standard
1904 Willis Sharpe Kilmer Vingt et Un II
1905 Jonathan Wainwright Standard
1906 Jonathan Wainwright Chip II
1907 Jonathan Wainwright Chip II
1908 Jonathan Wainwright Dixie II
1909 Jonathan Wainwright Dixie II
1910 Frederick K. Burnham Dixie III
1911 J.H. Hayden MIT II
1912 A. Graham Miles P.D.Q. II
1913 Casimir S. Mankowski Ankle Deep
1914 Robert Edgren & Jim Blackton, Jr Baby Speeddemon II
1915 Jack Beebe & John "Freckles" Milot Miss Detroit
1916 Bernard Smith Miss Minneapolis
1917 Gar Wood Miss Detroit II
1918 Gar Wood Miss Detroit III
1919 Gar Wood Miss Detroit III
1920 Gar Wood Miss Detroit IV
1921 Gar Wood Miss America
1922 Jesse G. Vincent Packard Chriscraft
1923 Caleb Bragg Packard Chriscraft
1924 Caleb Bragg Baby Bootlegger
1925 Caleb Bragg Baby Bootlegger
1926 George H. Townsend Greenwich Folley
1927 George H. Townsend Greenwich Folley
1928 N.A. No Contest
1929 Richard. F. Hoyt I M P II
1930 Victor William Kliesrath Hotsy Totsy
1931 Victor William Kliesrath Hotsy Totsy
1932 Bill Horn Delphine IV
1933 George Reis El Lagarto
1934 George Reis El Lagarto
1935 George Reis El Lagarto
1936 Kaye Don Impshi
1937 Clell Perry Notre Dame
1938 Theo Rossi Alagi
1939 Zalmon Guy Simmons, Jr. My Sin
1940 Sidney Allen Hotsy Totsy III
1941 Zalmon Guy Simmons, Jr. My Sin
1942 N.A. No Contests- World War II
1943 N.A. No Contests- World War II
1944 N.A. No Contests- World War II
1945 N.A. No Contests- World War II
1946 Guy Lombardo G-13 Tempo VI
1947 Danny Foster G-99 Miss Pepsi V
1948 Danny Foster G-4 Miss Great Lakes
1949 Bill Cantrell U-3 My Sweetie
1950 Ted Jones U-27 Slo-Mo-Shun IV
1951 Lou Fageol U-37 Slo-Mo Shun V
1952 Stan Dollar U-27 Slo-Mo-Shun IV
1953 Joe Taggart U-27 Slo-Mo-Shun IV
1954 Lou Fageol U-37 Slo-Mo-Shun V
1955 Lee Schoenith Gale V
1956 Bill Muncey Miss Thriftway
1957 Bill Muncey Miss Thriftway
1958 Jack Regas Hawaii Kai III
1959 Bill Stead Maverick
1960 N.A. No Contest- High Winds
1961 Bill Muncey Miss Century 21 Thriftway Stores
1962 Bill Muncey Miss Century 21 Thriftway Stores
1963 Ron Musson Miss Bardahl
1964 Ron Musson Miss Bardahl
1965 Ron Musson Miss Bardahl
1966 Miro Slovak Tahoe Miss
1967 Bill Schumacher Miss Bardahl
1968 Bill Schumacher Miss Bardahl
1969 Bill Sterret Miss Budweiser
1970 Dean Chenoweth Miss Budweiser
1971 Jim McCormick Miss Madison
1972 Bill Muncey Atlas Van Lines
1973 Dean Chenoweth Miss Budweiser
1974 George Henley Pay'n Pak
1975 George Henley Pay'n Pak
1976 Tom D'Eath Miss U.S.
1977 Bill Muncey Atlas Van Lines
1978 Bill Muncey Atlas Van Lines
1979 Bill Muncey Atlas Van Lines
1980 Dean Chenoweth Miss Budweiser
1981 Dean Chenoweth Miss Budweiser
1982 Chip Hanauer Atlas Van Lines
1983 Chip Hanauer Atlas Van Lines
1984 Chip Hanauer Atlas Van Lines
1985 Chip Hanauer Miller American
1986 Chip Hanauer Miller American
1987 Chip Hanauer Miller American
1988 Chip Hanauer Circus Circus
1989 Tom D'Eath Miss Budweiser
1990 Tom D'Eath Miss Budweiser
1991 Mark Tate Winston Eagle
1992 Chip Hanauer Miss Budweiser
1993 Chip Hanauer Miss Budweiser
1994 Mark Tate Smokin' Joe's
1995 Chip Hanauer Miss Budweiser
1996 Dave Villwock Pico American Dream
1997 Dave Villwock Miss Budweiser
1998 Dave Villwock Miss Budweiser
1999 Chip Hanauer Miss Pico
2000 Dave Villwock Miss Budweiser
2001 Michael Hanson Tubby's Subs
2002 Dave Villwock Miss Budweiser
2003 Mitch Evans Miss Fox Hills
2004 Nate Brown Dick Scott
2005 Terry Troxell Miss Al Deeby Dodge
2006 Jean Theoret Miss Beacon Plumbing
2007 Dave Villwock Miss Elam Plus
2008 N.A. No Contest- High Winds; *Note 1
2009 Dave Villwock Miss Elam Plus
2010 Dave Villwock Spirit of Qatar
2011 Dave Villwock Spirit of Qatar
2012 Dave Villwock Spirit of Qatar
2013 Kip Brown Spirit of Qatar
2014 Jimmy Shane U-6 Oberto
2015 Jimmy Shane U-1 Oberto

[fund razor]

Most of those races were held in Detroit, I think. :)

[Ratickle]

Most were. And this year they will be back. :hurray:

[Serious News]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

UAW-GM SPIRIT OF DETROIT HYDROFEST CELEBRATES A CENTURY OF POWERBOAT RACING ON THE DETROIT RIVER AND RETURN OF APBA GOLD CUP TO DETROIT AUGUST 27-28

Addition of “Free Friday” on August 26th

Kicks Off 100th Anniversary Celebration Activities

DETROIT (April 1, 2016) – The thrilling tradition of high speed powerboat racing in Detroit continues with the UAW-GM Spirit of Detroit HydroFest on Saturday, August 27 and Sunday, August 28, 2016. This event will mark 100 consecutive years of powerboat racing along the Detroit River and the return of the prestigious APBA Gold Cup.

UAW-GM and Detroit Riverfront Events, Inc. are expanding their commitment and partnership by announcing the addition of “FREE Friday,” occurring on August 26 beginning at 1 p.m., which will include free admission to the grandstands and the cold pit during the practice runs.

“This is a momentous occasion for the city and our racing fans marking the return of the APBA Gold Cup, the oldest active trophy in motorsports, on the 100th anniversary of the premier hydroplane race in the country,” said Mark Weber, president of Detroit Riverfront Events, Inc., the host and planning organization for UAW-GM Spirit of Detroit HydroFest. “This event is part of the legacy of Detroit and together, with our partners at UAW-GM, we’re excited to mark this milestone and create an unforgettable experience for the crowds.”

The first sanctioned hydroplane race took place on the Detroit River in 1916, and has been a Detroit tradition ever since. Detroit Riverfront Events is working closely with west coast-based H1 Unlimited to make the Detroit race bigger and better than ever.

In addition to “Free Friday,” plans are underway for more activities, attractions and events leading up to this year’s HydroFest. “We are actively coordinating efforts to make this a memorable event fitting for our 100th anniversary and look forward to making a series of announcements in the next few months,” said Weber.

The UAW-GM Spirit of Detroit HydroFest is the longest continuously running unlimited hydroplane race on the H1 Unlimited circuit. The H1 Unlimited hydroplanes are the fastest and most powerful, closed-course racing boats in the world.

UAW-GM’s title sponsorship has ensured that all general admission parks will remain free on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are on-sale now. Grandstand seating start at $50, with ticket prices increasing up to $180 for the VIP Club Gold Cup. To purchase tickets or for sponsorship opportunities, call the office of the Detroit Riverfront Events Inc. at 313-329-8047. Visit www.detroitboatraces.com for complete details.

Media Contacts:
Jason Brown, PublicCity PR 248-252-1687 jbrown@publiccitypr.net
Monica Cheick, PublicCity PR 586-612-8220 mcheick@publiccitypr.net

March 31st, 2016

http://www.detroitboatraces.com/pressrelease_20160331-1.php

[Serious News]

DETROIT – The board of directors and planning committee for the 2016 UAW-GM Spirit of Detroit HydroFest presents the APBA Gold Cup (August 26-28), marking the 100th anniversary of powerboat racing in Detroit this year, are pleased to announce Fred Alter as honorary chairman of this year’s milestone race. The announcement was made by Detroit Riverfront Events Inc. President, Mark Weber.

A legend in the powerboat racing circuit, Alter earned the name ‘Fearless’ Fred for his showmanship and skill that thrilled crowds. During his career spanning the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s, he raced 19 Unlimited hydroplanes in competition, more than any other driver. He was inducted into the Unlimited Hydroplane Hall of Fame in 1983 and, in 2013, was inducted to the Michigan Motorsports Hall of Fame.

“The City of Detroit and hydroplane racing have always had a special place in my heart,” said Alter. “Being named Honorary Race Chairman for the 100th running of boat racing on the Detroit River is a special honor and I know it will be special moment for me when the hydroplanes race for the Gold Cup that weekend, reminding me of the days when I competed and challenged both the river and competitors.”

A native of Detroit, Alter grew up racing sailboats, then Limited Class Hydroplanes before moving on to the big leagues in 1955 when he piloted Bill Stroh’s Unlimited Miss Detroit in the Silver Cup. Alter retired from competitive racing in 1975 but continued to be involved in the sport in several capacities including becoming American Power Boat Association’s Unlimited Racing Commissioner and bringing substantial sponsorships and national television coverage to the sport.

“Fred has been and continues to be a champion in the hydroplane world and has done more to promote and move the sport forward than anyone else,” said Weber. “We could not have selected a more worthy person to serve as the honorary chairman for our 100th anniversary than ‘Fearless’ Fred Alter.”

The 2016 UAW-GM Spirit of Detroit HydroFest kicks off with the “Classic Shore Dinner” race preview party on Thurs. August 25th at The Roostertail in Detroit, tickets are $75. Race weekend begins with “FREE Friday” on August 26 at 1 p.m. and continues on Saturday, August 27 and Sunday, August 28, 2016

Single and weekend tickets are on sale now. To purchase tickets or for sponsorship opportunities, call the office of the Detroit Riverfront Events Inc. at 313-329-8047. Visit www.detroitboatraces.com for ticket pricing, race schedule and complete event details.

http://www.h1unlimited.com/2016/08/fred-alter-honorary-gold-cup-chairman/

[Serious News]

100 Years of Speed: Why APBA Gold Cup Returned to Detroit

Detroit's proud legacy of high-speed powerboat racing celebrates a century with this year's UAW-GM Spirit of Detroit HydroFest. The event, which takes place Aug. 26-28, marks 100 consecutive years of powerboat racing on the Detroit River — the sport's famed international water speedway — as well as the return of the APBA Gold Cup — the oldest active trophy in motorsports.

Marking a Milestone
The Spirit of Detroit HydroFest is the longest continuously running hydroplane race on the H1 Unlimited circuit. H1 Unlimited hydroplanes are the fastest — reaching speeds of up to 200 mph — and most powerful, closed-course racing boats in the world. It's an exciting spectacle that you just have to see for yourself.

According to event organizers, the first sanctioned hydroplane race took place on the Detroit River in 1916. Since 1946, a minimum of one unlimited hydroplane race has been contested each year on the Detroit River. Spectators will have the chance to view several vintage boats on display at this year's race site.

What's New?
Free Friday has been added on Aug. 26 beginning at 1 p.m., with free admission to the grandstands and the cold pit during test runs. General admission parks — Erma Henderson Park, Memorial Annex Park and Owen Park — remain free on Saturday and Sunday. (There is a charge for parking.)

The Classic Shore Dinner preview party is planned for Aug. 25 to recognize the 100 year anniversary. The event is fittingly hosted at the Roostertail restaurant — named for the fantail spray created by the speedboats as they race. A strolling supper offers tastes from some of Detroit's best known restaurants — including London Chop House, Andiamo, Fishbone's and Wolfgang Puck Pizzeria & Cucina. The $75 ticket also features a meet and greet with Gold Cup Race owners and drivers, a free drink and cash bar, live entertainment PLUS two Roostertail pavilion Gold Cup tickets for Aug. 28, a private tour of the Gold Cup boat pit area and a raffle ticket, which benefits the March of Dimes, for a chance to win a 2016 General Motors vehicle.

Details
Heat races will be run Saturday, Aug. 27. Sunday's big finish features heat races plus the Gold Cup final. Grand Prix boats and Formula 2 boats will also compete during the weekend. Catch some great bands on Saturday and Sunday on stage at the Hydromart/Food Court area, located behind the Waterworks Grandstands. A free car show for hot rods, custom and classic cars at Waterworks Park will add to the fun.

General grandstand tickets start at $50 for the weekend. To purchase tickets, call 313- 329-8047. Visit detroitboatraces.com for more information.

http://blog.visitdetroit.com/blog/entry/why-apba-gold-cup-returned-to-detroit.html

[Serious News]

The Delta Companies including their Realtrac ERP Software firm are sponsoring the U-9 Unlimited for the 2016 UAW-GM Spirit of Detroit Hydrofest featuring the APBA Gold Cup Race on August 26th-28th.

Delta Research and Delta Gear manufacture R&D, Prototype and Production gearing for the Automotive and Aerospace industries including complete transmissions for hybrid electric, gas / diesel powered passenger vehicle and the heavy truck transportation industry worldwide. Delta also produces drive system gearing for US Army’s tracked and wheeled vehicles, prototype and development gears for the US Army’s new V-280 Valor Tilt Rotor Aircraft, including very complex 5 Axis machined components used on the US Navy’s new Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System designed to catapult F/A-18 Fighter jets safer and faster on the newest aircraft carriers.

Both Delta Research & Delta Gear have become the Automotive and Aerospace OEM’s “Go To” supplier of choice for fast turnaround proto type, development and production detail gearing, including spiral bevel gears, gearbox assemblies and complete drive systems. www.deltaresearch.com and www.delta-gear.com

A third Delta company, Realtrac Performance ERP Software, specializes in manufacturing software for small to mid-size machine shops, job shops and make to order manufacturers. The company was founded in the heart of a machine shop and has served the manufacturing industry for over three decades. Realtrac is used by thousands of machining suppliers across North America.

Delta Gear manufactures complex gearing for: Turbine Engine, Helicopter Drivetrain Systems and Fixed Wing Actuation for Aerospace companies throughout North America, Europe and Asia for commercial passenger jets and defense aircraft. Delta Gear products can be found worldwide in aircraft ranging from military cargo planes, attack helicopter gunships to large commercial passenger aircraft and business jets.

Delta Research manufactures R&D, Prototype and Production gearing, including complete transmissions for hybrid electric, gas and diesel powered vehicles for passenger cars including the heavy truck transportation industry worldwide. Delta Research also produces drive system gearing for US military tracked and wheeled vehicle’s including complex 5 Axis machined components used on the US Navy’s new Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System designed to catapult fighter jets safer and faster on the Navy’s newest aircraft carriers.

Both Delta Research & Delta Gear have become the Aerospace and Automotive OEM’s “Go To” supplier of choice for fast turnaround proto type, development and production detail gearing, including spiral bevel gears, gearbox assemblies and complete drive systems. www.delta-gear.com and www.deltaresearch.com

A third Delta company, Realtrac Performance ERP Software, specializes in manufacturing software for small to mid-size machine shops, job shops and make to order manufacturers. The company was founded in the heart of a machine shop and has served the manufacturing industry for over three decades. Realtrac is used by thousands of machining suppliers across North America.

Realtrac’ s ERP software is very easy to learn and use and boasts the lowest total cost of use software on the market. With a quick start implementation, Realtrac ERP is operable in just a few days compared to weeks or months. Realtrac is built on a real time platform allowing businesses to stay on top of all of their jobs, labor and material costs, outside vendors, quality metrics and customer delivery tracking. From Estimating to Quality conformance and Accounting integration, Realtrac is a completely integrated shop system that is real quick with real profits. Realtrac gives an analysis of a business’s current and past status allowing them to make educated decisions based on real facts for a maximum return on investment. http://realtrac.com

[Serious News]

Tate eager to compete for ‘most important’ trophy

Andrew Tate wants to learn on his own what his dad already knows.

The Walled Lake resident’s victory in the most recent Unlimited Hydroplane race stamped him as a threat to win the sport’s most important trophy, an opportunity that comes this weekend in the run for the APBA Gold Cup on the tricky Detroit River course.

Tate’s father, Mark, won two Gold Cup championships more than 20 years ago, but neither 26-year-old Andrew nor his dad believe the son should tap into the elder Tate’s knowledge of the 2.5-mile race course known for unique turns and abrupt changes in conditions.

“He needs a clear mind,” Mark Tate, the 1991 and 1994 Gold Cup champion, said. “If you pre-load the brain, you might expect something that’s not there.”

Andrew Tate, who will drive the U-9 boat in UAW-GM Spirit of Detroit HydroFest competition that starts Friday with testing and qualifying, said his time in the boat, not his dad’s thoughts, will be most significant.

“I can’t take his word as rock solid,” he said. “Nothing beats experience itself. At 200 miles per hour, you have to trust yourself.”

Andrew Tate drove the U-9 to victory in the Albert Lee Appliance Seafair Cup on Lake Washington in Seattle on Aug. 7.

After issues with the drive line shortened his stay in the event at Tri-Cities (Wash.) a week earlier, Tate hit Lake Washington hoping to be competitive, to keep the Jones Racing entry in good condition for the Gold Cup.

But on a weekend when he wasn’t called for a single penalty, Tate capped the event by out-dueling the likes of veterans Jimmy Shane and Brian Perkins in the final.

“We got out unscathed,” Tate said. “The win was definitely a bonus. I think we shocked the entire sport.

“Still, I can’t be too high after the third race of my career.”

Andrew’s performance impressed his dad.

“His mother and I were overly delighted and proud,” Mark Tate said. “I was very proud of the way he executed his decisions.

“It was great to see him learn how to maneuver the boat to get an inside lane for the final.”

Andrew Tate raced outboards, inboards and Grand Prix boats before being signed by Mike and Lori Jones of Enumclaw, Wash., to drive the U-9 Sound Propeller/Les Schwab Tires entry this season.

“He’s gone through the right progressions to learn race boats,” Mark Tate said.

Andrew, the production manager for his dad’s company, Sun Coating, in Plymouth, finished fourth in the H1 Unlimited season-opening event at Madison, Ind.

Now he heads to his “home course” for an event that marks 100 years of racing on the Detroit River.

“The history here is quite remarkable,” Andrew Tate said. “The Gold Cup is the oldest trophy in motorsports, and it’s the most important to me.

“Winning the Gold Cup has to be on the list of goals of any boat racer. It’s the toughest trophy to win. It’s a big race.”

Shane won in Detroit last year, and he won the 2015 Gold Cup. He also won at Madison this year.

J. Michael Kelly won at Tri-Cities.

Shane, Kelly, Perkins and their kind will navigate a course that has the largest and tightest turns on the H1 Unlimited circuit.

“It’s a challenge to set up a boat for an egg-shaped course,” Mark Tate said.

Andrew Tate said repeating his no-penalty performance of Lake Washington could be a key to the weekend.

“I think we have a boat to get to the final if we don’t shoot ourselves in the foot,” he said. “Tensions will be high. You’ve got to keep your head on your shoulders.”

Testing and qualifying for the Gold Cup will be Friday. Heat races will be run Saturday. More heats and the Gold Cup final will be Sunday.

http://www.themorningsun.com/article/MS/20160820/SPORTS/160829978

[Serious News]

Hydroplaning in the D: What You Need to Know About the 100th Hydrofest
By: Scott Davis

The UAW-GM Hydrofest returns to Detroit for its 100th year of exciting boat races and plenty of late summer fun. The competition will take place this weekend, all culminating in the race for the Gold Cup on Sunday.

If you have never been to Hydrofest, don’t worry, we have compiled a list of what makes the Hydrofest so special for boat racing fans and for the city of Detroit.

The Gold Cup

The world’s oldest motor sports trophy in the world, the Gold Cup features the best Hydroplane racers in the country competing for the top spot. The races are truly thrilling, especially on the Detroit River where you can see the Detroit Skyline in the distance. The grand prix races begin on Saturday at 10 a.m. and are scheduled to finish by 5 p.m. There is scheduled to be a race every 20 minutes, guaranteeing non-stop action. Sunday races will start at the same time, all leading up to the final race scheduled for roughly 4 p.m.

Free Friday

The races begin Saturday morning, but testing and qualifying starts on Friday, which you can see for free. Not only can you sit in the grandstands, but for the first time ever attendees are allowed to go into the pit area.

Honoring the 100th Year

This year’s Hydrofest is special because it will be honoring the 100th year of the competition in Detroit. On Saturday, fans can see the evolution of Hydroplane racing as there will be a ‘Walk Through the Decades’ behind the grandstand. On Sunday drivers will be introduced before the races in woodcraft boats built in the 1940s, 50s, and 60s.

Classic Shore Dinner

Before all of the boat racing begins, Detroit’s award winning restaurants will host the Classic Shore Dinner at the Roostertail on Thursday, August 25. For $75, guests will receive dinner, a drink ticket, a raffle ticket for a chance to win a 2016 GM vehicle, and two Roostertail Pavilion Gold Cup Sunday Tickets. There will also be a Meet & Greet Party where attendees can meet the owners and drivers of the Hydroplane vehicles. More information can be found here.

2016 Invitational Car Show

Hydroplanes won’t be the only vehicles rocking the Hydrofest this year as the event will also host an Invitational Car Show. The car show will take place on Saturday and Sunday at Water Works Park on the Detroit River and will showcase 75 vehicles. If you are interested in reserving a spot for your classic vehicle, but sure to head here to find out more information.

This year’s 100 year celebration of the Hydrofest seems to be the perfect way to end the summer with countless exciting hydroplane races. Be sure to checkout the website to plan your weekend of Hydroplane racing action.

http://chevydetroit.com/hydroplaning-in-the-d-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-100th-hydrofest/

[Serious News]

Race Tickets

Grandstands – General Seating
Weekend Saturday & Sunday - $50.00
Saturday - $25.00
Sunday - $35.00New for 2016 - General Seating is the only ticket available for a one day ticket
Grandstands – Commodore Club Rows 1-20$65.00
Grandstands – Commodore Club Rows 21-25$85.00
Pit Tower$130.00Free weekend Parking Pass with the purchase of 4 tickets
Judges Stand$90.00Free weekend Parking Pass with the purchase of 4 tickets
Club Gold Cup$180.00Free weekend Parking Pass with the purchase of 4 tickets

General Admission Parks - Erma Henderson Park, Memorial Annex Park and Owen ParkFREE

Parking
Muncey$25.00 per day
Piston Park$25.00 per day
Remote$15.00 per day

Pit Passes
Cold Pit Passes
-- With or without ticket package
$20.00 per day or $30 for the weekend

RV Parking
We have RV Parking available on-site. Space is extremely limited, please contact us at 313-329-8047 to arrange your spot before the event!
Dodge Pits - Any size RV$350.00 for the weekend
Piston Park - with power$200.00 for the weekend
Piston Park - no power$100.00 for the weekend

[Serious News]

U-27 hydroplane of Cal Phipps won't run for Gold Cup on Detroit River

Jimmy Shane’s path to another Gold Cup championship won’t include a challenge from Macomb County driver Cal Phipps.

The U-27 Wiggins Racing Unlimited Hydroplane piloted by Phipps won’t run in the APBA Gold Cup this weekend, the Sterling Heights resident said Wednesday.

“Unfortunately it’s a no go,” Phipps said in a text message.

The U-27 was damaged in a crash at the H1 Unlimited season-opening event on the Ohio River in Madison, Ind., in July.

The team based in Gadsden, Ala., worked feverishly to get the boat ready, Phipps said.

Wiggins Racing, Phipps said, was going to decide Tuesday night whether to enter the Gold Cup, and then gave itself until Wednesday as parts were still on order and in the process of being made.

But the team decided Wednesday against taking part in an event that will mark 100 years of Gold Cup racing on the Detroit River.

“We really want to be there,” Phipps said Tuesday.

Phipps finished in fourth place in the final of the 2015 Detroit race that was won by Shane.

Shane also won the Gold Cup last year at Tri-Cities (Wash.), and he went on to win the H1 Unlimited championship.

Shane is a 12-time winner on the H1 Unlimited circuit, including the 2016 season-opening MainSource Bank Indiana Governor’s Cup at Madison.

That victory helped Shane, driver of the U-1 hydroplane, assume the points lead he’ll bring to Detroit.

J. Michael Kelly, who drives the U-5 hydroplane for Porter Racing, is second in points.

The field for the Gold Cup will include the U-9 Jones Racing hydroplane driven by Andrew Tate.

The Walled Lake resident’s boat will be sponsored in Detroit by a pair of Livonia companies, Delta Gear and Realtrac ERP.

Tate, an H1 Unlimited rookie, won the most recent event, the Albert Lee Appliance Cup on Lake Washington in Seattle on Aug. 7.

The run for the Gold Cup starts with testing and qualifying Friday. Qualifying is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m.

Heat races will be run Saturday starting at noon, and more heats and the Gold Cup final will be Sunday. The final is scheduled to begin at approximately 4 p.m.

The UAW-GM Detroit HydroFest will include racing by Formula 2 and Grand Prix boats.

The Formula 2 final is scheduled to start at 2 p.m. Sunday, and the Grand Prix final at 3:30.

http://www.macombdaily.com/article/MD/20160825/SPORTS/160829783

[Serious News]

HydroFest celebrates 100 years of boat racing on the Detroit River with free Friday

DETROIT -- This weekend will celebrate 100 years of boat racing on the Detroit River with the UAW-GM Spirit of Detroit HydroFest.

The first 'sanctioned' hydroplane race took place on the river in 1916 and has been continuously held since, according to organizers.

The oldest active trophy in motorsports, the American Power Boat Association's Gold Cup, will also make its return to Detroit this year.

The boats this weekend will go much faster, reaching speeds up to 200 mph.

Friday kicks off the weekend of high powered, high speed boat racing with a free day of viewing. The public can see the boats up close in the pit during the practice runs and catch all the action from the grandstands starting at 1 p.m.

General admission tickets for the HydroFest are $25 for Saturday, $35 for Sunday or $50 for the whole weekend.

You can also check out the action for free, all weekend at Erma Henderson Park, Memorial Annex Park and Owen Park in Detroit.

For more information on tickets, parking and the racing schedule visit the UAW-GM Spirit of Detroit HydroFest website.

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