By George B. Eichorn
Detroit Monitor Columnist

        One hundred years is a long time for any sports tradition. It’s time to welcome powerboat racing fans to the banks of the Detroit River for the 2008 Chrysler Jeep Superstores APBA Gold CupGold Cup, July 11-13.
        Many of the sport’s past and present drivers are legends in the unlimited hydroplane class of racing. J.M. Wainwright, Gar Wood, Guy Lombardo, Lee Schoenith, Bill Muncey, Bill Schumacher, Dean Chenoweth, Tom D’Eath, Chip Hanuer and Dave Villwock are all past winners of the prestigious Gold Cup. Hanuer, in fact, has his named engraved the most times — 11 — on the famed powerboat trophy.
        The first Gold Cup winner was in 1904 when Standard, driven and owned by C.C. Riote of the Columbia Yacht Club, won with a standard (three heat) average speed of 23.6 miles per hours. The 2007 champion, U-16 Miss Elam Plus, driven by Villwock and owned by Sven Ellstrom won with a 147.672 mph speed. How times have changed!
        The APBA Challenge Cup, known commonly as the APBA Gold Cup, is among the most noteworthy of motorsports trophies, in part because it is the oldest active trophy in all of motorsports. The trophy was first awarded in 1904. By comparison, the first Indianapolis 500 race was held in 1911 and their Borg-Warner trophy was first awarded in 1936.
        “Hydroplane racing became a tradition in Detroit when designer Christopher Columbus Smith (of the Chris Craft boat company) built a Detroit-based boat that would crack the 60 miles-per-hour speed barrier, capturing the Gold Cup in 1915,” said historian Fred Farley.
        “As the speeds grew so did the crowds, and hydroplane racing became a major Detroit event. Through the decades Detroit builders, drivers, fans and sponsors have proven themselves to be among the best.”
        The 2008 three-day event covers a large area on the Detroit River, so there are many different viewing areas and various ticket options. Some fans come out for a casual picnic with a view from the water’s edge. Others plan their entire weekend around this summer tradition, complete with music, outdoor cookouts and a party atmosphere.
        More than fifty members of the Detroit Sports Broadcasters Association members and their guests attended a special DSBA 2008 Chrysler Jeep Superstores APBA Gold Cup Preview media luncheon on June 26 at Sindbad’s On the River in Detroit. DSBA president Rich Kincaide presided and guest speakers on hand to discuss the 100th anniversary Gold Cup race represented sponsors — the Chrysler Jeep Superstores — and race organizers, the Detroit River Regatta Association. That gathering featured a lively question and answer session.
        According to Farley, the premier unlimited hydroplane race originated in 1904. In 1957, Seattle hosted the 50th running of that prestigious trophy. Promoters of the 50th annual race billed it as “The Golden Gold Cup.” Between 1957 and 2008, the Gold Cup has been contested every year except one, 1960. That was the time when high winds forced cancellation of the race on Lake Mead, Nevada.
        Unlimiteds expected to run the “Eastern Swing” including the 2008 Chrysler Jeep Superstores APBA Gold Cup in Detroit (sponsor names are subject to change):

- U-3 Miss Chrysler Jeep (Driver Jimmy King, owner Ed Cooper)
- U-5 Formulaboats.com (Driver Jeff Bernard, owner Ted Porter family)
- U-6 Oh Boy! Oberto (Driver Steve David, owner City of Madison, Indiana)
- U-7 Formulaboats.com (Driver Mike Allen, owner Ted Porter family)
- U-10 Miss Ahern Rentals (Driver David Bryant, owners Kim and Debbie Gregory)
- U-13 Miss Detroit Yacht Club/Spirit of Detroit (Driver J. Michael Kelly and owner Dave Bartush)
- U-25 Jarvis Fire and Water Repair (Driver and owner Dr. Ken Muscatel)
- U-37 Miss Beacon Plumbing (Driver Jean Theoret, owners Billy and Jane Schumacher)
- U-50 Michigan Mortgage Presents Spirit of the Navy (Driver David Williams/Brian Perkins, owner Greg O’Farrell)
- U-100 Mirageboats.com (Driver Greg Hopp, owner Fred Leland)

        At the 2008 Chrysler Jeep Superstores APBA Gold Cup, every boat in the race will utilize a “cabover” configuration. In addition to the world-class unlimiteds, you will see boats from the Offshore Pro Series, Superlight Tunnels and vintage race boats including Grand Prix’s and the wild-riding Jersey Speed Skiffs.
        The Navy’s West Coast Super Hornet Demo Team will demonstrate maneuvers of one of the U.S. Armed Forces’ most impressive aircraft, the FA-18.
        Other weekend 2008 Chrysler Jeep Superstores APBA Gold Cup race events include a food court and the Navy “Accelerate Your Life Experience Tour” that gives firsthand looks at Navy life. It has original Navy footage, video games and 180-degree Immersa-Domes, which provide real-life environmental elements, such as sight, sound and smell.
        The Michigan Sports Hall Of Fame will have its mobile unit on hand with its excellent exhibits, plaques and historical photographs. You may test your skills in inflatable obstacle courses for different sports for a small fee.
        The Family Fun Zone area in the Hydromart will include activities and games such as free “Make & Take Crafts,” face painting, balloon artists and D.A.R.E. ID kits for the kids. Hours are Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
        Make your plans now for the historic 100th running of the 2008 Chrysler Jeep Superstores APBA Gold Cup. For ticket information, call (586) 774-0980, visit www.gold-cup.com or email moreinfo@gold-cup.com.
       Reach George Eichorn at geichorn@yahoo.com.

Categories: Uncategorized -- Trackback