Grand Prix America Hydros
Water Follies is excited to welcome the automotive-powered hydroplanes of Grand Prix America (GPA) back for the Apollo Columbia Cup. Grand Prix America is a class and club in the American Powerboat Association (APBA) with the goal of bringing the thunder back to the fans of boat racing.
They bring close competitive racing with lots of noise Deck-to-Deck and full-throttle fighting for lanes.
When the Grand Prix fires its engine, it gets the attention of the entire shoreline. At 26 feet long, most GPA boats are only slightly smaller than an Unlimited Hydroplane. GPAs tip the scales at roughly 3000 lbs., less than half the weight of their big brothers, the Unlimited Hydroplanes. These boats are powered by 468-cubic-inch big block engines with a 6-71 blower turning at 120 percent of crankshaft speed. In other words… REALLY FAST!
Plans include the participation of seven GPA boats with two preliminary heats on Saturday, one heat Sunday, and the final heat Sunday. Although they do not have qualifying like the Unlimiteds, expect plenty of testing to occur on Friday. Watch our Facebook page for information about GPA boat displays around the Tri-Cities prior to race weekend.
Grand Prix America Hydroplanes are sponsored by UA Local 598 and Signatory Contractor.
