'Miss Chrysler Jeep' and the Harvey Team Ready to Run for the Gold Cup

Detroit Native Mark Tate Goes for His Third Gold Cup At 2004 Chrysler Jeep Superstores Detroit APBA Gold Cup

Team Hopes to Guide U-2 Hydroplane to Victory at 'The Race of the Century' on the Detroit River, July 15-18

DETROIT, June 22 -- Seeking a run at centennial glory for the oldest trophy in motor sports, the Jim Harvey-owned U-2 hydroplane will compete as "Miss Chrysler Jeep" at the 2004 Chrysler Jeep Superstores Detroit APBA Gold Cup on the Detroit River, July 15-18. The Gold Cup is celebrating its centennial anniversary at the 2004 event, known as "The Race of the Century."

The boat is owned by Jim Harvey of Seattle, Wash. "Miss Chrysler Jeep" will be driven by Detroit native Mark Tate, who has driven the boat before, most recently in 2000. Tate is returning in 2004 for a shot at what would be his third career Gold Cup victory.

"We're ecstatic about having a hometown driver racing a hometown boat under the Chrysler Jeep Superstores' name," said Jim Schebil, president of the Chrysler Jeep Superstores Advertising Association. "Jim Harvey and Mark Tate are two of hydroplane racing's premier names. The chance to win 'The Race of the Century' with an incredible team is too good to pass up."

Tate has been involved in hydroplane racing for more than 20 years. In that span he won two Gold Cups and was named National High Points champion four times. Tate also owns the qualification lap speed record on the Detroit International Water Speedway course, going 170.087 mph in 1993. He comes from a family of hydroplane racers as both Tate's grandfather and father raced. Tate's wife Sandy has hydroplane racing experience as do his two sons, Andrew (14) and Brent (12), who have both been racing for four years.

As an unlimited hydroplane crewman, crew chief and owner, Harvey's boat racing career has spanned three decades. His expertise covers every phase of hydroplane racing from hull design and construction to race setup. Harvey's prestigious career highlights include being a two-time National Champion, "Crew Man of the Year," "Crew Chief of the Year," and the Unlimited Racing Commission's "Man of the Year."

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.

The title sponsor is the Chrysler Jeep Superstores Advertising Association with participation from DaimlerChrysler AG. The 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 race information, please visit http://www.gold-cup.com/ .