Offshore Pro-Series

July 14, 2008: It’s been thirty years since the renowned Detroit Gold Cup Powerboat races have been cancelled due to wind and rough water conditions, but that is exactly what happened Sunday July 13th at the 100th running of this historic event.

This year, after the crowd pleasing success of the 2007 combined race event, three classes of Pro-Series Offshore boats answered the invitational call to participate in this world famous boat race produced by DRRA (Detroit River Regatta Association).

With even more offshore boats competing than last year, the two day event provided a thrill a minute for the thousands of fans who came to watch this historic event. Saturday’s races were plagued by some inclement weather, but for the most part all of the classes (both hydroplanes and offshore boats) were able to complete a number of heats for the dedicated fans who filled the grandstands. Sunday, however was another story. When during a mid morning heat, one of the Unlimited Hydroplanes (one of two Team Formula Entries) flipped in the sweeping turn, officials made the decision to curtail all hydroplane races until the wind conditions improved. Unfortunately for the hydroplanes, conditions worsened in the afternoon with the Detroit River converting into a choppy, white capped offshore venue. The result…all three classes of Pro-Series Offshore boats ran multiple heats, providing the fans with some of the most exciting short course “big cat” offshore action seen anywhere on the circuit.

In Cat Lite, letting it all hang out for the crowd, four boats entered the” rooster tail” turn neck on neck hoping to gain some ground in this famous tight race course corner. When the spray cleared, three boats exited the turn and the offshore Cat Lite favorite, Motley Crew was upside down. Thankfully Ron and Scott Roman escaped uninjured. When it was all over it was iLUXCARS #40 (the former Reliable/Fountain Racing #40) that claimed the class victory.

In the Super Cat class it was Jimmy Winters in his new Pro-Series 38 foot Skater “Talk’n Trash” that took the class victory. The team was also presented the Detroit Yacht Club Silver Cup award, for which their names will be forever commemorated on this famous trophy along with a host of boat racing legends from earlier decades.

In Cat Extreme it was Team Cintron, who took the checkered flag in a crowd pleasing photo finish with Team Geico. In Addition to winning the class, Team Cintron was also awarded this year’s Garwood Trophy award for their Extreme boat performance.

If you are wondering, what were the final results in the Unlimited Hydroplane races…there were none! Due to the windy conditions, the hydroplane races were cancelled on Sunday, and the 100th running of the Detroit Gold Cup will now take place in 2009.

All of the participating Pro-Series Offshore teams want to extend their sincere appreciation to DRRA for the invitation to be part of this year’s Gold Cup event.

bryanh

Very nice.

glassdave

iTrader: (1)

That was a fantastic event and i would like to thank you guys again for letting Ed and I join in the fun with the Cleveland Construction/Traffic Light Talon. Truly an honor to be a part of such a historic boating event. What a great crowd that was! Every time we made the turn at the Roostertail and ran down the breakwall you could see everyone waving and cheering like crazy. Man . . . thats what its about

Glad Scott an Ron came away from the flip OK, we were just behind them and stopped right by the boat. Seemed like forever till the tunnel hatch popped open.