APBA Gold Cup Billed as 'Race of the Century,' Runs July 15-18, 2004

100th Anniversary Emphasizes Tradition of Powerboat Supremacy, Includes Enhanced Amenities, Reduced Ticket Prices for Family Event

Gold Cup Legends Sign Autographs at Detroit Boat Show

DETROIT, Feb. 11 -- The oldest trophy in motor sports will celebrate its 100th anniversary at the 2004 Chrysler Jeep Superstores Detroit APBA Gold Cup on July 15-18, 2004 on the Detroit International Water Speedway course on the Detroit River near Belle Isle. This year's event will be put on by the same team as last year -- the Chrysler Jeep Superstores and the Detroit River Regatta Association (DRRA).

"The 2004 version of this event, aptly titled the 'Race of the Century,' will be the biggest and best ever," said Jim Schebil, president of the Chrysler Jeep Superstores Advertising Association, and president of Fox Hills Chrysler Jeep in Plymouth. "Not only is this the beginning of a new era for powerboat racing as a whole, but in Detroit especially."

"Our commitment to this year's event is stronger than ever because 100 years of speed, power and tradition is something worth celebrating," said Tom D'Eath, president and CEO of the DRRA, and a three-time Gold Cup winner. "The Detroit River is the epicenter of powerboat racing. It's the grandest stage for the fierce competitors vying for the oldest trophy in motor sports."

As an introduction to the 2004 Chrysler Jeep Superstores Detroit APBA Gold Cup, the DRRA is hosting past legends of hydroplane racing at the Detroit Boat Show at Cobo Hall, Feb. 7-15, 2004. Two-time Gold Cup winner Mark Tate (1991, 1994), two-time winner Danny Foster (1947, 1948), and unlimited hydroplane legend Freddy Alter will be appearing for autographs at the DRRA booth, located adjacent to the Dossin Great Lakes Museum display. For a complete schedule, log on to www.gold-cup.com , or call the Detroit Boat Show's information line at 1-800-224-3008.

The four-day event features high-speed unlimited hydroplane racing action on the Detroit International Water Speedway. In addition to the unlimited hydroplane boats, many other boats, such as vintage race boats, automotive- powered sweepstakes hydroplanes and others, will be running on the river during the event.

The Gold Cup competition began in 1904 and came to Detroit for the first time in 1916. For many years the host site for the event was determined by which boat won the previous year's trophy. The winning boat's home yacht club hosted the race the following year and site locations fluctuated for many years.

In 1992, Detroit was named the permanent home of the Gold Cup. Detroit has historically drawn the biggest crowds, provided the best race facilities and hosted the event the most times in the trophy's history.

The 2004 Chrysler Jeep Superstores Detroit APBA Gold Cup features unlimited hydroplane boats with 3,000 horsepower engines reaching top speeds of more than 200 mph, and covering the length of a football field in less than one second.

Title sponsor Chrysler Jeep Superstores Advertising Association is made up of the 41 independently owned Chrysler Jeep Superstores in Southeastern Michigan from Monroe to Fowlerville, and from Clinton to Port Huron.

For tickets or more information, log on to the DRRA's Web site, www.gold-cup.com .