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Detroit: Event starting procedure changes

Starting Procedure Changed for Gold Cup The unlimited hydroplane owners of the American Boat Racing Association (ABRA) met this morning (Friday, July 10) to discuss and then change the starting procedure for this weekend's 100th running of ...

Starting Procedure Changed for Gold Cup

The unlimited hydroplane owners of the American Boat Racing Association (ABRA) met this morning (Friday, July 10) to discuss and then change the starting procedure for this weekend's 100th running of the Chrysler Jeep Superstores APBA Gold Cup.

The ABRA implemented a lane selection starting process last week during the Madison Regatta based on qualifying speed and elimination heat points. But the majority of the owners and drivers did not want to use that starting procedure for the most prestigious trophy in powerboat racing.

"The owners elected to do this for the Gold Cup instead of lane assignments," said chief referee Mike Noonan. "The majority wanted something similar to the previous method of starting (where drivers mill on the course and fight for lanes) to put the Gold Cup championship back in the hands of the drivers."

The starting procedure for this year's Gold Cup:

- Teams will draw for elimination heats with the teams acquiring the most points during the preliminary four-lap heats making it into the winner-take-all championship final;

- All drivers will fight for lanes prior to the race (no lane assignments);

- There will be no off-plane rule (boats will be allowed to go at slower speeds);

- All boats must score up at the turn one exit pin buoy one-minute from the start (buoy is located on the southwest side of the course near the Detroit Boat Club);

- All lanes must be established at that time and maintained until passing the start/finish line;

- All boats proceed to and hit the starting line after the timing clock hits zero.

Elimination heats for the Chrysler Jeep Superstores APBA Detroit Gold Cup begin Saturday at 11:50 am with more eliminations heat Sunday and 4:20 pm final.

-credit: abra

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