Detroit No Longer Host For Hydroplane 'Gold Cup' Races

DETROIT (WWJ) -- Organizers of the Gold Cup hydroplane races announced Friday that they will still be hosting the Detroit River Festival of Speed in August 2015 as scheduled.

However, while smaller hydroplanes will be competing for national and international titles, the Unlimited hydroplanes will not be racing on the river for the Gold Cup.

The Detroit River Regatta Association said that weakness in sponsorship support and dwindling spectator interest led to the difficult decision, "pointing the event in a new direction."

The "Unlimiteds," which race for the Gold Cup, 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.

"In the meantime, everyone can look forward to seeing more thrilling racing on the water and more excitement on the land as Detroiters celebrate a two-day Festival of Speed, and do it at a dramatic reduction in admission fees," The DRRA said in a press release.

The Detroit River Festival of Speed will be held August 22 and 23 at the foot of Marquette on the Detroit River. 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.