Detroit

Gold Cup race has long history in metro Detroit

By Mark Vest
C & G Sports Writer

The 103rd running of the Detroit APBA Gold Cup race takes place July 13-15 on the Detroit River.

According to Mark Weber, the event director for the Detroit River Regatta Association, changes to this year’s event include vintage hydroplanes, offshore boats, music from noon to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday behind the grand stand area, and an air show, which is scheduled to take place each day at noon. He also noted that super light tunnel boats are coming back.

Qualifying is scheduled for July 13, while the actual race is set to take place the two following days. The event will be open to the public at noon July 13, with racing action scheduled to begin at approximately the same time July 14.

Dave Villwock, who won the Gold Cup last year, looks to retain the trophy, along with winning the $170,000 purse that is awarded to the winner of the race.

Watching hydroplanes reach speeds of close to 200 mph is just one of the reasons Weber thinks people may be interested in taking in some boat racing.

“If you want to come to the Detroit River and have a good family-fun afternoon, this event is for you,” he said. “It is designed for all ages. It’s (a) very fun event to come to.”

Ticket prices range from $15 to $250. Children 12 and under can attend the event for free in general admission parks.

For more information about tickets and parking, visit www.gold-cup.com, or call (586)-774-0980.

You can reach C & G Sports Writer Mark Vest at mvest@candgnews.com or at (586)279-1112. Follow Mark on Twitter.