Chrysler Jeep Superstores APBA Gold Cup Marks the 99th Running of the 'Super Bowl' of Boat Racing July 13-15, 2007

Added Attractions Race Weekend Include Offshore Boats, Family Entertainment And Festival Atmosphere

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

DETROIT, June 7 -- The Detroit River turns into the "Super Bowl" of powerboat racing with the 2007 Chrysler Jeep Superstores APBA Gold Cup races July 13-15, 2007 featuring unlimited hydroplanes boats with 3,000 horsepower engines hitting 200 miles-per-hour and covering a football field in less than a second.

The 2007 race weekend lineup was announced today (Thursday) by Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, title sponsor Chrysler Jeep Superstores Advertising Association president Jim Schebil and Detroit River Regatta Association (DRRA) president, Tom Bertolini.

"Offshore" boats with piston and turbine engines up to 3,700 horsepower and running 39 to 44 feet in length added this year build a new dimension of excitement and fun.

New attractions and longer hours of operation increase the summertime fun. Friday, July 13, is "free Friday," with the racecourse open until 7 p.m. for racing fans. The races take place on the Detroit River racecourse near Belle Isle, recognized worldwide as the premier site for hydroplane boat racing.

This year's entertainment and family attractions are equally as exciting as the competition on the river. Indie Pop Rock group Sinjon Smith, Classic Rock band Dream Street Rose and the soulful Black THRILL will rock the stage during the weekend. Also taking the stage is the Mickey Ratt Band, Funkee Station, the U.S. Navy Band and more. For Navy week activities, log on to www.gold-cup.com for more details.

The free "Camp Jeep" driving experience provides actual test demonstration rides on a special Jeep wilderness course. Another new attraction is the Family Fun Zone located in Hydromart with a larger picnic area, games and arts and crafts.

"This year is the 99th running of the prestigious Gold Cup. Chrysler Jeep Superstores are especially happy to be a part of another great weekend in downtown Detroit as title sponsors," said Jim Schebil, president of the Chrysler Jeep Superstores Advertising Association and president of Fox Hills Chrysler Jeep in Plymouth. "It's great to support exciting and fun-filled family entertainment events in Detroit."

The Gold Cup -- considered the crown jewel by powerboat racers, dating back to 1904 -- is the oldest motor sports trophy in the world. These races define the greatest unlimited hydroplane drivers.

The three-day event features high-speed racing action as the Grand National hydroplanes, 5 Litre Stock hydroplanes, Superlight Tunnels, Vintage race boats and the Unlimited hydroplanes speed to the finish line. The Unlimited hydroplane boats have 3,000 horsepower engines that reach top speeds of more than 200 mph and cover the length of a football field in less than one second.

Offshore boats range from 39 to 44 feet in length and powered by automotive or turbine engines up to 3,700 horsepower. Eight Offshore boat entries add a new dimension to the family fun weekend celebration.

"We're excited about the next 100 years of speed, power, and tradition in Detroit powerboat racing," said Tom Bertolini, 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 Gold Cup began more than 100 years ago and came to Detroit the first time in 1916. Detroit became the permanent home of the Gold Cup race in 1990. The race location was determined in earlier years by the prior year's winner.

Detroit's longstanding reputation as the host site continuously draws the biggest crowds, provides the best race facilities and has hosted the event the most times in the trophy's history.

The title sponsor is the Chrysler Jeep Superstores Advertising Association. The Chrysler Jeep Superstores Advertising Association is made up of the 39 independently owned Chrysler Jeep Superstores in Southeastern Michigan from Monroe to Fowlerville and from Clinton to Port Huron. Website: chryslerjeepsuperstores.com.

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