APBA Gold Cup

The APBA Gold Cup (originally known simply as the Gold Cup, a speedboat race) is an American hydroplane boat race, named for the American Power Boat Association. It is now run as part of the H1 Unlimited season.^[1] First run in 1904, it is the oldest trophy in motorsports.^[2]

Starting in 1904, the Gold Cup consist of three heats, and starting in 1918 the heat distance was 30 statute miles.^[3] In 1963 the number of heats was increased to four, but the total distance was reduced to 60 statute miles.^[4] In 1976, the Unlimited Racing Commission adopted a winner-take-all format for all its races including the APBA Gold Cup.^[5] In 1981 the total number of heats was reduced to three with the total distance being reduced to 45 statute miles.^[6] Since 1983 the Gold Cup has been competed at various total distances ranging from 36 statute miles to 52.5 statute miles.^[7]

The driver with the most Gold Cup victories is Chip Hanauer, with 11 victories. Dave Villwock is second, with 10, and Bill Muncey is third, with eight.^[8]