Villwock Edges David for Top Qualifier

Madison Regatta winner, Dave Villwock, put the U-1 Miss Elam atop the qualifying ladder for the 100th running of the Chrysler Jeep Superstores Detroit APBA Gold Cup.

Courtesy: ABRA Media Relations

DETROIT—-Dave Villwock (Seattle, Wash.) was able to take his Ellstrom Elam Plus unlimited hydroplane out just before the Detroit River closed Friday evening to take the Palms Resorts Fastest Qualifying Award for the 100th running of the Chrysler Jeep Superstores Detroit APBA Gold Cup.

Steve David (Lighthouse Pt., Fla.) had posted the fastest speed just 20 minutes earlier pushing the Oh Boy! Oberto to 157.379 for the two-lap qualifying average on the Detroit River course.  But Villwock, the defending Gold Cup champion, went back on the water to hit 158.098 and grab the top speed.

“We were able to make a few adjustments after our last run,” said Villwock.  “We were fortunate to get back out on the water just in time.”

Villwock is the winningest active driver in unlimited hydroplane racing with 57 career wins and he has won six Gold Cup championships.

Elimination heats begin at 11:50 am Saturday with more racing taking place on Sunday, culminating with the winner-take-all championship final at 4:20 pm.

CHYRSLER JEEP SUPERSTORES DETROIT APBA GOLD CUP

1-Ellstrom Elam Plus, Dave Villwock, 158.098

2-Oh Boy! Oberto, Steve David, 157.379

3-Formulaboats.com, Jeff Bernard, 154.022

4-Graham Trucking, J Michael Kelly, 151.992

5-Our Gang Racing, Kip Brown, 149.763

6-Miss DYC, JW Myers, 149.349

7-Leland Unlimited, Gregg Hopp, 148.424

8-Miss Albert Lee, Brian Perkins, 143.851

9-Superior Racing, Ken Muscatel, 139.380

10-Matrix Systems Automotive, Mike Webster, 138.060

11-Miss Chrysler Jeep, Jimmy King, Still needs to qualify