Detroit Legend Returns to Place of Honor as Gar Wood Trophy Makes Historic Comeback

- Trophy Honors Winner of Offshore Series Race During 'Chrysler Jeep Superstores APBA Gold Cup' Race Weekend

- Makes First Appearance Since 1970s at June 28th Media Luncheon

DETROIT, June 27 /PRNewswire/ -- A Detroit legend is making a triumphant return this year as the Gar Wood Trophy is reintroduced as the top prize for the winning boat of the Offshore series during the "Chrysler Jeep Superstores APBA Gold Cup" race weekend, July 13-15 on the Detroit River.

The trophy was given to the winner of the Unlimited Race held in Detroit during the 1970s, but was retired in 1977. The trophy is named after the legendary boat racer and native Detroiter, Gar Wood. It is making its return as eight Offshore Pro Series powerboats race as part of the Detroit events for the first time in more than two decades.

"The Offshore boats will be the biggest boats to race on the Detroit River since the days of Gar Wood," said DRRA President Tom Bertolini. "And they'll be racing on the same Detroit River that Gar Wood made famous. That's why we thought bringing back the Gar Wood trophy to honor the addition of the Offshore Pro Series to the race made all the sense in the world."

The trophy will make its first public appearance since the late 1970s at the 2007 Gold Cup Media Luncheon at Sindbad's restaurant in Detroit.

Garfield Arthur Wood, or Gar Wood, was Unlimited hydroplane racing's first true superstar. Wood won the APBA Gold Cup four times as an owner between 1917 and 1933 and five times as a driver, and also garnered the Harmsworth International Trophy eight times as a driver and nine times as an owner.

He was the first man to go more than 100 miles an hour in a boat. Wood was hailed as a national hero. In his time, his name was as well known as Ty Cobb's.

The Gar Wood Trophy, adorned with the Spirit of Detroit emblem, carries Wood's image in raised silver relief affixed to the top of the trophy. "We're excited to be able to restore the Gar Wood Trophy to its rightful place of honor in the same city where Gar Wood revolutionized the sport," Bertolini said. "If Gar Wood were racing today, he would be racing an Offshore boat. We will be offering the trophy that carries his name, and the memory of his incredible achievements, to individuals that are carrying on in his tradition- it's a significant event."

Offshore boats raced as part of the Gold Cup race from 1979-1983 with winners including Joel Halpern, Betty Cook and Al Copeland running on a course from the Ambassador Bridge out into Lake St. Clair and back to downtown.

Ranging from 39 to 44 feet in length and powered by automotive or turbine engines up to 3,700 horsepower, the eight Offshore entries add a new dimension to the family fun weekend celebration.

The Offshore boats will be based in a special area at Henderson Park, near the MacArthur (Belle Isle) Bridge.

"Chrysler Jeep Superstores APBA Gold Cup" races the weekend of July 13-15 features high-speed racing action on the Detroit River racecourse near Belle Isle.

or tickets or more information, log on to the DRRA's Web site, http://www.gold-cup.com/

The title sponsor is the Chrysler Jeep Superstores Advertising Association. The Chrysler Jeep Superstores Advertising Association is made up of the 39 independently owned Chrysler Jeep Superstores in Southeastern Michigan from Monroe to Fowlerville and from Clinton to Port Huron.

Web site: http://www.chryslerjeepsuperstores.com/

Source: Chrysler Jeep Superstores