Miss Chrysler Jeep Superstores unlimited hydroplane U-3 will return to the water during the 2009 Chrysler Jeep Superstores Detroit APBA Gold Cup races July 10-12 on the Detroit River. It will be driven by Memphis, Mich. (near Port Huron) favorite Jimmy King, originally from New Baltimore. King came out of retirement to drive Miss Chrysler Jeep Superstores in 2005 with the encouragement of U-3 owner Ed Cooper. King will race in the "second 100th running" of the Gold Cup, the oldest motorsports trophy in the world. The first 100th running was not completed due to weather and crashes.
The U-3 Miss Chrysler Jeep Superstores is the only piston-powered unlimited hydroplane in the race. It brings a true "roar to the river." The Gold Cup races were all originally piston powered but switched to helicopter engines in more recent years. King has accumulated three national championships, three world championships and three Detroit Silver Cups during his career in the Grand Prix Classic. When he moved to unlimited-class boats in 2004, he was named rookie of the year. King's best finish at the Detroit Gold Cup was second in 2006 behind Jean Theoret of Maple Grove, Quebec. The title sponsor is the Chrysler Jeep Superstores. The Chrysler Jeep Superstores Association is made up of independently owned Chrysler Jeep Superstores in Southeastern Michigan from Monroe to Fowlerville and from Clinton to Port Huron. |