National Press Release

Historic Second 100th Running Of The Gold Cup Brings Speed, Excitement To Detroit's Riverfront

DETROIT, June 12 /PRNewswire/ -- The Detroit River turns into the "Super Bowl" of powerboat racing with the 2009 Chrysler Jeep Superstores APBA Gold Cup races July 10-12 featuring unlimited hydroplane boats with 3,000 horsepower engines hitting 200 miles-per-hour and covering a football field in less than a second.

The 2009 event weekend will be an unprecedented and historic second 100th running of the APBA Gold Cup race. The 2008 Gold Cup was not completed due to inclement weather and a spectacular crash.

The 2009 lineup was announced by Detroit Mayor Dave Bing, Detroit River Regatta Association (DRRA) President, Tom Bertolini, and Mark Snethkamp for title sponsor Chrysler Jeep Superstores.

"The APBA Gold Cup is a summertime favorite that highlights the best in the sport as well as one of Detroit's greatest jewels. As we celebrate this historic second 100th running of the Gold Cup race, I look forward to yet another spectacular year on the water," said Detroit Mayor Dave Bing.

Numerous attractions and longer hours of operation increase the summertime fun. Friday, July 10, is "free Friday," with the racecourse open until 7 p.m. for racing fans. The races take place on the Detroit River racecourse near Belle Isle, recognized worldwide as the premier site for hydroplane boat racing.

This year's entertainment and family attractions are equally as exciting as the competition on the river. A Family Fun Zone is located in Hydromart with a larger picnic area, games and arts and crafts and a special hot rod display in Henderson Park.

The Gold Cup - considered the crown jewel by powerboat racers, dating back to 1904 - is the oldest motor sports trophy in the world. These races define the greatest unlimited hydroplane drivers.

The three-day event features high-speed racing action as the Grand National hydroplanes, 5 Liter Stock hydroplanes, Superlight Tunnels, Vintage race boats and the Offshore Pro series join the Unlimited hydroplanes speeding to the finish line.

The Gold Cup began more than 100 years ago and came to Detroit the first time in 1916. Detroit became the permanent home of the Gold Cup race in 1990. The race location was determined in earlier years by the prior year's winner.

For tickets or more information, log on to the DRRA's Web site, www.gold-cup.com/.

SOURCE Chrysler Jeep Superstores