Detroit Gold Cup preview

HYDROS READY FOR BIGGEST RACE OF SEASON-THE GOLD CUP

DETROIT, Mich.-- How big is this weekend's 99th running of the Gold Cup unlimited hydroplane race on the Detroit River?

"It is as big as the Stanley Cup," said Jean Theoret, "This is what every boat racing driver dreams of - this is the biggest race."

And Theoret understands the magnitude of the Chrysler Jeep Detroit Gold Cup. After all, he is Canadian, so he should know something about the Stanley Cup, and he is the defending champion of the Gold Cup.

"I think winning the Gold Cup is more important than winning our national high point championship," added the Ville de Lery, Que. native. "I have been very fortunate to have won five races (in three years) and also to have won the Gold Cup."

Theoret, driver of the Miss Beacon Plumbing, will have has his work cur out for him. Dave Villwock, the winningest active driver in the sport with 54 career victories, has already taken the first two races on the national circuit, driving the Miss Elam Plus.

"This is a very competitive fleet," added Theoret. "I believe any one of six boats could win the race."

ABRA will have a fleet of nine boats in the pit area for qualifying that starts at 8 a.m. Friday morning.

-credit: abra