The oldest active trophy in motorsports (since 1904) will be awarded in Detroit this weekend, July 13 to 15, for a sport that WILL NOT be on dry land. Detroit knows how to race more than automobiles, and the APBA Hydroplane Races on the Detroit River keep our engines roaring off the mainland. The 103rd running of the Detroit River Regatta Association’s APBA Gold Cup is sure to catch a wave this weekend.

The Unlimited Hydroplanes race at speeds of nearly 200 miles per hour. On the water, 200 mph can seem even faster — an exaggerated speed that requires long stretches of the Detroit River. For racing fans and curious spectators, this means there are plenty of viewing options — get up close to be right in the action, or relax on the water’s edge and enjoy the spectacle.

In addition to the races themselves, the weekend includes vintage raceboats, the Navy’s West Coast Super Hornet (F/A-18) Tactical Demo team, Powerboat P1 racing series, Super Light Tunnel boat racing, Air National Guard’s Rise to the Challenge activity booth and live music on Friday and Saturday.

Detroit’s rich tradition of water racing continues this year with some of the most impressive speeds you’ll ever see — land, air or water. Friday general admission is FREE for practice and qualifying rounds. For ticket inquiries visit the race site box office.

 

Can you image reaching speeds of 200 mph? Could you handle the pressure of being a Hydroplane driver?

 

 

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. 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.