The 2009 event weekend will be an unprecedented and historic second 100th running of the APBA Gold Cup race. The 2008 Gold Cup was not completed due to inclement weather and a spectacular crash.

The 2009 lineup was announced today (Tuesday) by Detroit Mayor Dave Bing, Detroit River Regatta Association (DRRA) President, Tom Bertolini, and Mark Snethkamp for title sponsor Chrysler Jeep Superstores.

"The APBA Gold Cup is a summertime favorite that highlights the best in the sport as well as one of Detroit's greatest jewels. As we celebrate this historic second 100th running of the race, I look forward to yet another spectacular year on the water," said Detroit Mayor Dave Bing.

Catamaran-style offshore racing boats with piston and turbine engines up to 3,700 horsepower and running 39 to 44 feet in length add another dimension of excitement and fun. Eight Offshore Pro Series race boat entries have been added to this year's schedule.

New attractions and longer hours of operation increase the summertime fun. Friday, July 10, is "free Friday," with the racecourse open all day until 6:30 p.m. for racing fans. The races take place on the Detroit River racecourse near Belle Isle, recognized worldwide as the premier site for hydroplane boat racing.

This year's entertainment and family attractions are equally as exciting as the competition on the river. The U.S. Navy's West Coast Super Hornet Demo Team will perform flight demonstrations of one of the U.S. Armed Forces' most impressive aircraft, the FA-18.

The Navy also will present its high-tech "Accelerate Your Life Experience," a firsthand view of Navy life complete with interactive video games and the 180-degree "Immersa-Domes." The domes plunge participants into the real-world sights, sounds and smells of a Navy seaman through a thrilling virtual reality experience.

The free "Hot Rods in Henderson Park" will provide race fans free glimpses of some of Detroit's most historic motor powered muscle. And for sports fans of all ages, the Michigan Hall of Fame will present a wide array of sports challenges and inflatables, including a football obstacle course, a full-action video golf simulator, a pro-style Wiffle ball batting cage and hockey and lacrosse skill zones in the Family Fun Zone located in the Hydromart. A traveling museum commemorating Michigan's sports heroes will also be on site.

A large picnic area, games, arts and crafts, free face painting, balloon artists and wandering stilt walkers are additional family attractions.

The APBA Gold Cup - considered the crown jewel by powerboat racers, dating back to 1904 - is the oldest motorsports trophy in the world. The running of the Gold Cup was only interrupted by the Great Wars. The race, in its second 100th running, continues to define the greatest unlimited hydroplane drivers in the sport.

The three-day event features high-speed racing action as spectacular Unlimited Hydroplanes, as well as beautiful vintage race boats including three-point hydroplanes, Jersey Speed skiffs, fire-breathing Grand Prix hydros and Superlight Tunnels speed to the finish line. The Unlimited hydroplane boats have 3,000 horsepower engines that reach top speeds of more than 200 mph and cover the length of a football field in less than one second.

"We're excited about the next 100 years of speed, power, and tradition in Detroit powerboat racing," said Tom Bertolini, president of the DRRA. "The Detroit River is the world epicenter of powerboat racing. It's the grandest stage for the fierce competitors vying for the oldest trophy in motorsports."

The APBA Gold Cup began more than 100 years ago and came to Detroit the first time in 1916. Detroit became the permanent home of the Gold Cup race in 1990. The race location was determined in earlier years by the prior year's winner.