Volunteers Honored for UAW-GM Spirit of Detroit Hydrofest Work

For Immediate Release

Saturday, October 3, 2015 Volunteers Honored For UAW-GM Spirit of Detroit Hydrofest Work

DETROIT---Many said it couldn’t be done. The hydroplane racing tradition of races on the Detroit River dating back to 1916 seemed to be a lost cause. Instead, a group of 325 volunteers plus community support from UAW-GM gave the City of Detroit hydroplane tradition new life.

In late August, the H1 Unlimited Hydroplanes, the ACHA Grand hydroplanes and the American Power Boat Association (APBA) Formula 2 tunnel boats put on a show called the UAW-GM presents the Spirit of Detroit Hydrofest that produced some of the best boat racing of the 2015 season.

On Wednesday night (September 30) on the banks of the Detroit River, approximately 125 individuals attended the Detroit Riverfront Events Inc. Volunteer Appreciation Award Party at the Horace E. Dodge Memorial Pits in Bill Muncey Park to receive recognition for keeping this tradition alive.

“We are here to thank you and all our volunteers and supporters who made this race possible,” said Detroit Riverfront Events Inc. Mark Weber as he addressed everyone in attendance on a sunny but blustery, cool evening. “We only had 67 days to get everything ready for this race and if weren’t for all of you, we would not have racing in Detroit. I am grateful and proud for your time and effort.”

The Detroit River Regatta Association, which produced the annual Detroit APBA Gold Cup boat races for the past 13 years, ceased operation effective February 28, 2015. In late June, the Detroit Riverfront Events, Inc. announced UAW-GM as the sponsor and announced hydroplane racing would continue in the Motor City.

Kris “Buffalo” Owen and Janice Adams of UAW-GM were named recipients of the Jack Love Award for those who did the most for the race. “Without UAW-GM and especially Kris and Janice, we wouldn’t be here tonight,” said Weber. “Now we can get ready for the 100th anniversary of racing on the Detroit River as we host the APBA Gold Cup next August.”

The 2016 UAW-GM APBA Gold Cup will be run on August 27-28.

DETROIT RIVERFRONT EVENTS INC. AWARDS

Jack Love Award: Kris “Buffalo” Owen and Janice Adams, UAW-GM

President’s Cup: Lee Hertz

Fan Services: Steve Mallard

Event Operations: Jim Ellis

Race Operations: David P. Smith

Chairman’s Choice: Devon McQuade, Bob Babcock ,Steve Wright ,Terry Duffiney, Fred Schwartz

Jerry Schoenith Trophy: Mark Weber