| The APBA Challenge Cup, more commonly known as the APBA Gold Cup is among the most prestigious of motorsport trophies, in part because it is the oldest active trophy in all of motorsports ... the trophy was first awarded in 1904! In comparison, the first Indianapolis 500 race was held in 1911 and their Borg-Warner trophy was first awarded in 1936.
Hydroplane racing became a tradition in Detroit when designer Christopher Columbus Smith (of the Chris Craft boat company) built a Detroit-based boat that would crack the 60 miles-per-hour speed barrier, capturing the Gold Cup in 1915.
As the speeds grew so did the crowds, and hydroplane racing became a major Detroit event. Through the decades Detroit builders, drivers, fans and sponsors have proven themselves to be among the best. |
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This photo is of MISS DETROIT as raced in 1958. Other boats have carried the same name (including the 1915 winner), this one was owned and driven by the legendary Chuck Thompson. more... |
