American Power Boat Association

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The American Power Boat Association (APBA) was started in 1903 as a racing association for powerboats. It is the United States sanctioning representative for the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM), the world governing body. The APBA sanctions races in a number of different categories including the Unlimited Hydroplanes, Inboard, Outboard Performance Craft, Stock Outboard, Modified Outboard, Pro Outboard, Outboard Drag, Offshore and Special Events classes. Each category comprises a number of different classes. There are also many smaller regional clubs, including South Shore Outboard Association, located in New England.

The APBA is headquartered in Eastpointe, Michigan, near Detroit.

The movie Madison showcased the APBA as the organization responsible for setting up the races throughout the film.

 HISTORY Of THE APBA CHALLENGE CUP
The APBA Challenge Cup, more commonly known as the APBA Gold Cup is among the most prestigious of motorsport trophies, in part because it is the oldest active trophy in all of motorsports … the trophy was first awarded in 1904! In comparison, the first Indianapolis 500 race was held in 1911 and their Borg-Warner trophy was first awarded in 1936.

Hydroplane racing became a tradition in Detroit when designer Christopher Columbus Smith (of the Chris Craft boat company) built a Detroit-based boat that would crack the 60 miles-per-hour speed barrier, capturing the Gold Cup in 1915.

As the speeds grew so did the crowds, and hydroplane racing became a major Detroit event. Through the decades Detroit builders, drivers, fans and sponsors have proven themselves to be among the best.

For more info on the APBA visit www.apba-racing.com