2019 Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers Hydrofest announces Eddie Murray to serve as Grand Marshal for Race August 24-25

Tom D’Eath to serve as Honorary Race Chairman

Detroit – The 2019 Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers Hydrofest announced 
today that former Detroit Lions kicker, Eddie Murray along with
Michelle O’Connor-Tekinski of the Hope Network, will serve as this
year’s Grand Marshals for the hydroplane race on the Detroit River
August 24th and 25th.

Serving as honorary Race Chairman this year is Tom D’Eath, three 
time Gold Cup champion (‘76, ‘89 and ‘90) and Grand Prix national
champion. He served as the Detroit River Regatta Association (DRRA)
President, executed a sharp turn-around of the race financial
structure and saved the event in 2003.

In its 103rd year, the Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers Hydrofest brings
excitement to the Detroit River every summer. Race organizers have
a strong commitment to providing the best professional racing
experience in North America and delivering it to the local Detroit
community. This year’s hosts bring a special cause that is near and
dear to many families. The Hope Network has been providing
mental and behavioral health services to Michigan for 58 years. 
Ms. O’Connor-Teklinski heads up their autism services, which strives
to provide every child they serve with an opportunity to thrive
through ABA therapy and comprehensive clinical services.

“Hydroplane racing is a unique event to see in person – the speed
of the boats and the agility of the drivers is a must see. This is a
great opportunity for local families to see a very special event,”
said Eddie Murray, former Detroit Lion from 1980 – 91. He
continued, “Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to
giving back to local charities and charity networks. I am proud 
to represent the Hope Network for this year’s Metro Detroit 
Chevy Dealers Hydrofest.”

This year, Hydrofest race fans will watch the world’s fastest
automotive-powered hydroplanes compete on a 1.25 mile course
every 20 minutes. Approximately 40 boats from three competing 
classes – Grand Prix, H350 and the flat-bottomJersey Speed Skiff,
all of which are on the HRL (Hydroplane Racing League) circuit.
There will also be several VintageHydroplanes running a heat on
both Saturday and Sunday.

2019 Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers Hydrofest will be an all
piston-powered event — spectators seeking the thrill of
hydroplane motorboat racing will be pleased to hear the races
won’t lose their “rooster tail” — the long wall of water that is
created in speeding boats’ wakes. The Hydroplane Racing League
is bringing 13 to 15 boats from Canada, New Zealand and the
United States to headline the event. These boats are 24-feet long
with 468 cu. in. supercharged, big-block V8 Chevrolet piston
engines producing as much as 1,500 horsepower and reaching 
speeds of 160 mph. Along withthe Grand Prix boats, 20 to 22 H-350
hydroplanes from the HRL will join the show. These boats span
19 feet in length and feature a 350 cubic inch Chevrolet powered
engine, reaching speeds of 120 mph.