The 2005 Chrysler Jeep Superstores Detroit APBA Gold Cup Race Runs July 15-17, 2005, on Detroit River

"The Thriller on the River" Marks The Start Of Second Century Of Competition For Gold Cup, The Oldest Trophy In Motor Sports

Unlimited Hydroplanes Cover Football Field in Less Than One Second At More Than 200 MPH with 3,000 HP Engines

DETROIT, May 26 -- The oldest trophy in motor sports will begin its second century of competition at the 2005 Chrysler Jeep Superstores Detroit APBA Gold Cup on July 15-17, 2005 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 the previous two years -- the Chrysler Jeep Superstores, with participation from DaimlerChrysler AG, and the Detroit River Regatta Association (DRRA).

"2005 calls for a new beginning for Gold Cup racing since it's the start of the next 100 years of competition," said Jim Schebil, president of the Chrysler Jeep Superstores Advertising Association, and president of Fox Hills Chrysler Jeep in Plymouth. "The first century of the Gold Cup was capped by an exciting finish last year which proved that Detroit always draws the best field with the fastest boats in the world. 2005 is no different because the Detroit River will be a fast-paced, exciting raceway in July."

"We're excited about the next 100 years of speed, power and tradition in Detroit powerboat racing," said Bill Rands, president of the DRRA. "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."

The three-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 run 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 2005 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 40 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, http://www.gold-cup.com/ .