Hydroplane racing returning to Detroit River

Hydroplane racing

Unlimiteds returning Aug. 22-23 to Detroit

This week, UAW-GM and Detroit Riverfront Events Inc. plan to announce the return of hydroplane unlimited racing Aug. 22-23 to the Detroit River.

The race will take place between Belle Isle and the Detroit mainland over a 2.5-mile course, in the same location where past APBA Gold Cup contests raced.

Two Michigan-based drivers are scheduled to compete in the event: Cal Phipps (Sterling Heights) in the U-27 Wiggins Racing entry and rookie Patrick Sankuer (Chesterfield Township) in the U-12 Centurion Racing Miss DiJulio.

Hydroplanes have been a part of Motor City sports for a century. The first sanctioned race took place in 1915 and the first Gold Cup race in 1916. Since then at least one hydroplane race has been contested every year in Detroit, with only a five-year hiatus (1941-45) due to World War II.

The Detroit River Regatta Association, which had hosted the Gold Cup races, ceased operations Feb. 28, putting hydroplane racing in Detroit this year in jeopardy.

The APBA Gold Cup race has moved to the Tri-Cities, Wash., area July 25-26. The hydroplane season begins July 3 in Madison, Ind.

Athletics: Oakland University will add LED lights and high-definition sound as part of renovations to its Athletics Center O'rena. The upgrades will be completed in time for a volleyball tournament scheduled for Sept. 17-19.

Detroit Free Press Staff Reports