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Automobile industry

Chrysler Corporation Becomes Title Sponsor of Detroit APBA Gold Cup Hydroplane Races

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Spirit of Detroit Thunderfest, a non-profit organization, announced that Chrysler Corporation has agreed to become the Title Sponsor of the Detroit APBA Gold Cup Hydroplane Races for the next three years. This partnership includes Chrysler as the sole Title and Presenting Sponsor for the prestigious powerboat competition in 1996, 1997, and 1998. The event will now be known as The Chrysler Jeep Detroit APBA Gold Cup presented by The Metropolitan Chrysler Plymouth & Jeep Eagle Dealers. Chrysler's sponsorship is seen as a continued investment in downtown Detroit, with Tom McAlear, Chrysler Corporation's Detroit Zone Manager, stating that it is a "wonderful opportunity for our company and our dealerships to show support for one of Detroit's finest and most historic civic events."

Key Takeaways:

  • Chrysler Corporation has agreed to become the Title Sponsor of the Detroit APBA Gold Cup Hydroplane Races for three years, from 1996 to 1998.
  • The event will now be known as The Chrysler Jeep Detroit APBA Gold Cup presented by The Metropolitan Chrysler Plymouth & Jeep Eagle Dealers.
  • This partnership represents a continued investment in downtown Detroit, as stated by Tom McAlear, Chrysler Corporation's Detroit Zone Manager.
  • Chrysler Corporation has a long history of involvement in powerboat racing, dating back to the 1930s when Horace Dodge, a significant powerboat owner, participated in the sport.
  • The Dodge Memorial Pits and Pit Tower were built and deeded to the City of Detroit by the Dodge Family in 1966.
  • The Spirit of Detroit Thunderfest, Inc. has been promoting and staging powerboat racing on the Detroit River since 1962, attracting over 500,000 fans each summer.
  • The 1995 Detroit Gold Cup is scheduled for June 1-4.

Statistics:

  • The Spirit of Detroit Thunderfest has been promoting and staging powerboat racing on the Detroit River for 33 years (since 1962).
  • Over 500,000 fans crowd the shores of the Detroit River each summer to enjoy the boat races.
  • The partnership between Chrysler Corporation and The Spirit of Detroit Thunderfest will run for three consecutive years (1996-1998).
  • The Chrysler Jeep Detroit APBA Gold Cup has been a prestigious powerboat competition for many years, attracting millions of fans and making significant contributions to the city's economy.

Sources:

  • A PRNewswire press release dated May 31, 1995.
  • A statement by Tom McAlear, Chrysler Corporation's Detroit Zone Manager.
  • A statement by John Gysin II, Thunderfest Chairman.
  • The Spirit of Detroit Thunderfest, Inc.
  • Chrysler Corporation (NYSE: C)
  • The Metropolitan Chrysler Plymouth & Jeep Eagle Dealers.

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