Detroit: Series round two preview

Hydroplanes Ready For Detroit River, 100th Running Of Gold Cup

DETROIT---The Detroit River will once again be the site for the 100th running of the oldest motorsports trophy still in competition-the 2009 Detroit Chrysler Jeep Superstores APBA Gold Cup. An American Boat Racing Association (ABRA) fleet of 11 boats are expected to be in the pits for the competition that begins with qualifying Friday, July 10 with racing on Saturday, July 11 and Sunday, July 12. In 1990, the City of Detroit became the permanent home of the Gold Cup race.

Dave Villwock and the Elam Plus team made themselves the favorite for the Gold Cup by virtue of last Sunday's Madison (Ind.)Regatta victory. Villwock was the fastest qualifier and won all three elimination heats plus the championship final on the Ohio River course. It was Villwock's 57th career win in 113 total races.

In Madison, the ABRA fleet used the new starting rules for the first time allowing teams to select lanes on the basis of qualifying times and points for elimination heats. Of course, Villwock liked the new rules.

"I thought the starts were great and the racing was exciting," said Villwock. "Even though everyone thinks the fastest boat will always win, we were top qualifier by only