Anoither PR Loss? No Thunder on the River? [[Powerboat race)

[Meddle]

The thunder may be missing from the river this year.

Detroit, where unlimited hydroplanes have been racing since 1916, is the sole home of the American Power Boat Association Gold Cup, the most prestigious trophy in hydroplane racing and the longest active trophy in all of motor sports.

But unless a title sponsor is found by the end of May, the scheduled 102nd running of the Gold Cup race in July may be canceled.

"To not have the Gold Cup in Detroit would be like not having the Daytona 500 in Daytona, or the Borg Warner Trophy [[for the Indianapolis 500) in Indianapolis," said event director Mark Weber.

The hunt for sponsorship is a recurrent one, toughened by the stagnant economy.

The Gold Cup is a part of Detroit's history as the Motor City. And history is one of the reasons why the APBA made Detroit the Gold Cup's permanent home in 1989.

The other reason is because the Detroit River course is famous in the sport as a driver's course. The Rooster Tail Turn, in front of the Detroit Yacht Club, is one of the tightest in power boat racing, often providing tight racing that highlights skill as much as speed.

More: http://www.freep.com/article/2011041...text|FRONTPAGE

[stasu1213]

There is probably another motive behind it. Snyder and Bing probably knows

[muskie1]

This has happened every year lately, always searching for sponsors. I have gone for 44 yrs. and always have a great time.
The downturn started in the 80's when overnight camping for the races was banned on Belle Isle. Attendence has gone down from then, it use to well into the 100's of thousands.

[rb336]

We used to camp overnight, get sun stroke during the day, then felt ill the rest of the week, but it was always worth it

[Searay215]

Why don't those same Losers, I mean business men, that "Loaned Kawane" money come up with the funding for this?

[Buy American]

Hummmm....I wonder if the any of the Big 3 would sponsor it like Chrysler did in previous years?

Where is Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Mitsubishi or other foreign companies when you really need them?