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The countdown has begun for the 2019 Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers Hydrofest hydroplane races on the Detroit River on Saturday, August 24 and Sunday, August 25. Canadian and U.S. race fans are again gearing up for one of the most historical and significant water courses in the country. More importantly, it is rated one of the best places to see a race in North America. Drivers are equally excited. In preparing for the race, the Hydroplane Racing League conducted interviews of the drivers to get their take on Detroit.
The almost universal response is the prestige and history of racing on the Detroit River. “[So] much history in Detroit…[one] of my bucket list race courses I’ve wanted to race on,” commented top H-350 contender Dylan Runne. Donny Allen, one of the top contenders for the Grand Prix class, says, “I was actually born in Detroit, but never raced on the Detroit River.” He continued, “I have waited a long time to run through that Roostertail turn.” Hometown race champion Jimmy King says, “Detroit is one of my favorite places to race.”
For race attendees who are interested in a behind the scenes look, pit passes are available on both Saturday (Aug 24) and Sunday (Aug 25). Pit passes not only give fans access to the pit and an inside look at the boats, but also an opportunity to meet the drivers. Hydrofest will introduce the drivers on social media throughout the lead up to race weekend.
This year, Hydrofest fans will watch the world’s fastest automotive-powered hydroplanes compete on a 1.25 mile course every 15 minutes. The 2019 Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers Hydrofest will be an all piston-powered event. The Hydroplane Racing League is bringing a dozen Grand Prix 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 with the Grand Prix boats, 20 to 22 H-350 hydroplanes and the unique flat-bottom, Jersey Speed Skiff from the HRL will join the show. H-350 hydroplanes reach speeds of 120 mph, Speed Skiffs’ top speed are 80 mph.
Buy tickets on Eventbrite Find event information, pictures and video from past races on detroitboatraces.com. Fans can follow on the Hydrofest Facebook page, Twitter account or subscribe to the YouTube channel.
