Gold Cup Hydroplane Races Return To Detroit
DETROIT (CBS Detroit) - When presenting sponsor Chrysler bowed out, some questioned if there would be a 103rd running of the oldest active trophy in motorsports, the APBA Gold Cup, but leaders of the Detroit Yacht Club are ensuring the tradition continues.
Jim Neumann, the Marketing and Membership Director at Detroit Yacht Club (DYC), said the club has a history of giving back to the community.
"The Detroit Yacht Club itself is a very traditional club. It's been around for 144 years and you don't do things by just taking, taking, taking," said Neumann. "You always got to give back to the community and the Detroit Yacht Club has always done that."
The APBA Gold Cup, alternatively called the APBA Challenge Cup, is the oldest active trophy races in all of motorsports. The prestigious trophy was first awarded in 1904, seven years before the first Indianapolis 500 race.
This year's APBA Detroit Gold Cup Hydroplane Races will take place on the Detroit River from Friday July, 13 to Sunday, July 15. Tickets will range in price from $15 for general admission to $250 premier access.
The weekend event will feature demonstrations by U.S. Navy FA-18 Jets, Vintage Unlimited Hydroplane testing, and live music.
Neumann said the DYC is doing well, and that members refer to their aging yacht building as "nicely patinaed." The club has grown in size despite of the economy, and membership is strong at nearly 770 – and is continuing to grow "at an extremely rapid pace."
According to Neumann, many of the yacht club's members are multi-generation that joined to be part of something "bigger than themselves" – and are ensuring the club will live on.
Get more information about the races at this link.
