DETROIT – One hydroplane class is not included in the 2015 Detroit River Festival of Speed schedule: the Unlimited Hydroplanes. The Unlimiteds have been a staple of racing on the Detroit River, where the Gold Cup trophy has traditionally been contested for nearly the past 100 years.
This year the Unlimiteds will not be part of the festival.
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A measurable weakness in sponsorship support and dwindling spectator interest with the current product led the DRRA to this decision, pointing the event in a new direction. In the meantime, everyone can see other racing on the water and land as Detroiters celebrate a two-day Festival of Speed, and do it at a dramatic reduction in admission fees.
Detroit has long played a dominant role in the world of power and speed. The motors built here not only gave the city its familiar moniker, the Motor City, those motors also power America's interest in speed, both on land and water.
For 2015, the Detroit River Regatta Association (DRRA) is celebrating the power this city produces by introducing the Detroit River Festival of Speed, which will be held August 22-23, 2015, at the foot of Marquette on the Detroit River.
Over 100,000 square feet of displays are planned, featuring race cars of virtually every class and era, racing motor cycles and ATVs, historic race boats, plus the latest Detroit has to offer in the world of high performance cars and hardware.
While the high-performance displays are a festival of their own, there will be racing on land and water happening throughout the two-day event.
The Zooomtown 500 will be waged on Michigan's longest, fastest Pinewood derby track. Kids from ages six to 60 can compete with classes for everyone.
While gravity provides their power, the river will be boiling with Motor City horsepower.
Three classes of boats, competing for national and international titles, will race in at least 32 events spread over the course of the weekend. The action will be virtually non-stop.
The classes include:
·Grand Prix Hydroplanes: their supercharged, big block V-8 engines will be bringing the thunder back to the river at 170 mph.
·H350 Hydroplanes: over 20 of these V-8-powered hydros are expected. With bragging rights on the line, they will be fast, furious and ultra loud.
·SST Tunnel Boats: you have to see them to believe them. Competing in 15-lap qualifiers and a 20-lap championship, spectators might wind up as exhausted as the drivers.
General admission will be $10 per day; general admission grandstand seats will be priced at just $20. Although not yet announced, pit pass prices will be more affordable as well.
Premium seating, such as on the top of the Pit Tower, in the Judges Stand's veranda or in a club-like setting at the Tail Turn Café, will also be available at a lower cost than in previous years.