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If you’re a Metro Detroiter, it’s likely you’ve heard of the APBA Gold Cup. Hydroplane racing is huge in Detroit, and the APBA Gold Cup is the oldest active trophy in all of motorsports. It’s been going on for over 100 years!
This year, the Gold Cup will take place on the Detroit River on Friday, July 12 through Sunday, July 14.
The weekend will feature H1 Unlimited Hydroplanes racing for the APBA Gold Cup, vintage race boats both on the water and in static displays, and inflatable super light tunnel boats—at speeds up to 200 miles per hour!
Tickets to the event start at just $15, so it’s a great (and affordable) way to get out of the house and enjoy a day in Detroit.
“The APBA Gold Cup is an exciting way for Metro Detroiters to experience the waterfront. It is a unique event that can be enjoyed by people of all ages,” Lauren Maiman, owner of the APBA Gold Cup’s PR firm, the Midnight Oil Group, said.
Even if an afternoon of boat racing doesn’t sound ideal to you, there are still plenty of other activities to keep you entertained throughout the weekend.
“Aside from the hydroplane racing, people can enjoy the music of local bands, view vintage race boats, take advantage of barbeque and picnic sites, and just enjoy a weekend in Detroit with their families and friends,” Maiman said. “There will also be badass games and giveaways thanks to American Badass Beer. Guests can also shop at the Hydromart, which features an assortment of vendors, including Made in Detroit.”
Speaking of American Badass Beer and Made in Michigan, this year’s Free Friday event would have been impossible without Detroit’s own Kid Rock. Due to budget constraints this year, the festival had been shortened to two days (Saturday and Sunday only). However, Kid Rock and his two companies stepped in to save the day—and Friday’s admission fee.
Additional APBA Gold Cup sponsors this year include Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers, The Historic Detroit Yacht Club, Jarvis Property Restoration, Quicken Loans, Opportunity Detroit, and many more.
“The Gold Cup is one of the few events that really takes advantage of Detroit’s great waterway. Bringing so much activity and attention to the Gold Coast and the waterfront are a great aid to the rebirth of the city,” Maiman said. “The event is a longstanding staple to summer in Detroit.”
If you’re looking to kick off the fun a night early, the Detroit Yacht Club will hold a benefit concert featuring Rick Springfield and Dennis DeYoung on Thursday, July 11. Tickets start at $50 and proceeds will go to the APBA Gold Cup Race weekend.
General admission is just $15, and all passes cover you for both Saturday and Sunday. If reserved seating is more your style, it runs from $60 to $250. For more information on the APBA Gold Cup, visit www.gold-cup.com.
