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DETROIT APBA GOLD CUP
In this issue:
*** DETROIT APBA GOLD CUP EVENT STATUS - NEW NEWS
In the last issue, I wrote that talks had stalled between SODT
and Chrysler Corporation. I have just received information from
the "Detroit River Regatta Association" in which they say they
will now be coordinating the Gold Cup race for 2003:
>The GOLD CUP is Alive and Well in Detroit!!! Aug 21-24 2003
Tom D'Eath - Three-time Gold Cup winner - and the local Chrysler
Jeep Dealers have stepped up to save the Gold Cup for Detroit!
It seems fitting that on this, the 100th anniversary of the
American Power Boat Association, the sponsoring club will be the
Vintage and Historic Division of APBA. Plans are moving forward
to form the DRRA - Detroit River Regatta Association. History
buffs will recogize these initials being the same as the group
formed in 1948 which put on the events throughout the 50's. "We
used regatta because as Vintage we don't actually race" said
Tom.
There will be four events held during the August 21st through
24th race. The Unlimiteds will compete for the Chrysler Jeep
Superstores APBA Gold Cup. Vintage and Historic raceboats will
stage 'non-competitive' runs as the DYC-Chrysler 300 Vintage &
Historic Fly-bys. Jersey Speed Skiffs will compete for Points
and Purses. And in another nod to history, we will have the
Motown Sweepstakes Free-for-All, reminiscent of racing in the
40's & 50's where you "run what you brung". This is designed
for hydroplanes 17' to 27' with a 750cid maximum. Where there
is a passion for the sport there is a way! Stay tuned for more
details as plans develop. Mark your calendars and plan to be
there!
A related story was printed in the Free Press on Saturday:
[Editors note: Continue to watch http://www.thunderfest.com
and we will link to them when their website is ready.]
*** MITCH EVANS THRILLS CROWD WITH U-3'S THUNDEROUS WIN !!!
June 29, 2003 :: From Hydro-Prop
(Evansville, Ind.) - Mitch Evans won today's Budweiser Thunder
on the Ohio at Evansville, Indiana, the first race of the
Budweiser Unlimited Hydroplane Series presented by Boat Shopper
magazine.
Today's spectacular triumph for Evans and his piston powered U-3
Master Tire marked the first piston powered victory since both
were victorious 14 years ago in 1989 at Tri-Cities, Washington.
Evans, who currently drives the only piston powered Unlimited in
the series, also was the second fastest qualifier and won a
preliminary heat. Evans and the U-3 Master Tire's victory
occurred in front of many loyal and boisterous hometown fans as
the boat is based locally in Evansville.
Ed Cooper, Jr. and Sr., owners of the U-3 Master Tire, debuted
their new piston powered Unlimited last year at Tri-Cities and
immediately raised eyebrows with its tremendous power and speed.
Evans was able to raise the piston powered lap speed record at
both Seattle and San Diego last year and yesterday at Evansville.
"After finally finishing this new boat and racing it out west
last season, I had high expectations coming into this year,"
said Evans. "But with lofty expectations and a fast boat comes
the pressure to perform. The team set up the boat exactly the
way I wanted which enabled me to handle the challenging river."
"The atmosphere here today was something that I will never
forget, continued Evans. "To get another victory for a piston
powered Unlimited is a tremendous accomplishment, but to do it
in Evansville, where many people have helped us through the
years is the best scenario possible. I don't know what was
better to hear, the roar of this piston or the cheering of the
crowd. I could literally hear the crowd going crazy even over
the thunder of the boat."
"This win is for all those fans that have supported this team
over the past years even though they knew we realistically did
not have a chance against the more powerful turbines. Now the
tables have turned and this team is ready to challenge for the
championship. Maybe we can make it two for two in front of our
loyal supporters at Madison."
Evans led the whole way around the two-mile course and was not
challenged, as two of his competitors were unable to complete a
lap in the final. Evansville's seven-time champion, Dave
Villwock and the Miss Budweiser, broke a prop shaft before the
race started and Mark Evans suffered a fuel system failure that
led to engine damage. The battle for second was contested
between Michael Hanson and Mike Weber with Hanson prevailing in
the end. Weber rounded out the podium in third and Terry Troxell
took fourth.
* Parity Once Again is Theme in Preliminary Heats
* Mitch Evans Raises Piston Powered Record
* Budweiser Thunder on the Ohio Results:
Did Not Make Final:
The Budweiser Thunder on the Ohio race from Evansville, Ind.
will be televised on the SPEED Channel on Sunday, July 13 at 1:30
PM (EDT).
* 53rd Budweiser Madison Regatta by Belterra Casino Resort
*** JULY 11-13TH: DETROIT RIVER - RIVER CRUISE
The DRRC is a celebration to honor the Legends of Powerboat
History. From Classic Gar Wood / Chris-Craft / Hacker Craft
runabouts to a flotilla of live entertainment, DJ's and concert
acts.
In addition, the Unlimited Lights mark their return to the
Detroit River with exhibition racing.
Party Central is the Roostertail Restaurant and the surrounding
area including Sindbad's Restaurant and the Dodge Pits. For
more info see:
*** JULY 26-27TH: QUAKE ON THE LAKE IV - WATERFORD MI
Join the Marine Prop Riders and the Waterford Lions in Waterford
at the 4th annual "Quake On The Lake" inboard hydroplane race.
Come feel the thunder of automotive powered hydroplanes on this
record-setting 1-mile course! For more information visit:
- Brian Reed
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All contents Copyright © 2003 Spirit of Detroit THUNDERFEST, except where noted.
Written by Brian Reed.
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