2001 General Motors Cup At Seafair
Seattle Preview
Unlimited Hydroplane Fleet Set to Battle for General Motors Cup The Budweiser Unlimited Hydroplane Series presented by Laughlin stays in the state of Washington for the General Motors Cup at Seattle's Seafair on August 3-5. For the past 51 years, Seafair and Lake Washington have witnessed some of the best Unlimited Hydroplane racing in history.
Many drivers will feel the added pressure of attempting to race in front of friends and family on Lake Washington. As many as eight Unlimited drivers call the state of Washington home. "Winning in Seattle is an honor that every driver desires," said Dave Villwock. "A win in front of family, friends and fans of hydroplane racing is a terrific feeling. But the competition this year will be fierce as all the local drivers will want to win in their hometown."
History of Seattle, Wash.
- Seafair is celebrating 51 years of Unlimited Hydroplane racing on Lake Washington.
In 1950, the Seattle based boat Slo-Mo-Shun IV won the APBA Gold Cup race in Detroit and earned the right to defend the title on home waters. - Seafair will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of bringing the first Gold Cup race to Seattle.
- First Seattle race was in 1951 and was won by Lou Fageol in the Slo-Mo-Shun V.
- Seattle has hosted 14 APBA Gold Cup races. Bill Muncey won Seattle a record nine times.
- Muncey also won Seattle a record four consecutive times (1977-1980).
- Chip Hanauer has seven career victories at Seattle.
- Dave Villwock has five wins at Seattle including the last three consecutive.
- Miss Budweiser has won Seattle 14 times including its first in 1969.
- Fred Leland owns three career Seattle victories.
Practice and qualifying will begin for the General Motors Cup Friday, August 3 with the finals scheduled for Sunday, August 5.
—Hydro-Prop™