A tradition on the Detroit River that dates back almost 100 years - racing extremely fast boats - was nearly ended after 2014. Watch video
DETROIT, MI - Part of a tradition on the Detroit River that dates back almost 100 years - racing extremely fast boats - was nearly ended after 2014.
The Detroit River Regatta Association said last November "a measurable weakness in sponsorship" meant they had to cancel the Gold Cup races, which feature Unlimited hydroplanes that can go faster than 200 miles per hour.
But UAW-GM has since stepped in to sponsor the Gold Cup and the races, now known as UAW-GM Presents the Spirit of Detroit Hydrofest, meaning the ultra-fast Unlimited hydroplanes will return to the Detroit River Aug. 22 & 23.
Tickets range from $45-80 for grandstand seats. But admission is free at Emma Henderson Park, Memorial Annex Park and Owen Park. Full ticket info is at detroitboatraces.com/tickets.php.
Some of what you can expect to see along the 2.5-mile course off the shores of Detroit's Belle Isle this weekend includes:
Unlimited hydroplanes, the fastest and most-powerful closed-course boats in the world, will be racing at speeds in excess of 200 mph;
Grand Prix boats with big-block engines producing some 1,300 horsepower will be hitting speeds of 170 mph;
And Formula II "tunnel boats" will hit speeds of 115 mph.
The Detroit River played host to its first sanctioned hydroplane race in 1916. The races took a hiatus during World War II, but have otherwise been an annual event.
"The UAW-GM partnership continues to reshape the local community," Mark Weber, Executive Director of the Detroit Riverfronts Festival, said in a release. "They are keeping the hydroplane racing tradition alive and giving back to the city by hosting this event for the many charities and children it supports."
David Muller is the automotive and business reporter for MLive Media Group in Detroit. Email him at dmuller@mlive.com, follow him on Twitter or find him on Facebook.