Hanauer Wins Hydroplane Race on Detroit River for Fifth Time

Chip Hanauer overcame a broken rear stabilizer wing to power his Miller High Life to victory in the Spirit of Detroit unlimited hydroplane race Sunday on the Detroit River.

Hanauer took the lead in the front straightaway and never looked back. The broken stabilizer wing caused his boat to slide in the turns, but Hanauer was able to win his fifth Detroit race in his last seven tries. He has 26 career victories.

Hanauer covered the choppy 2.5-mile course at an average speed of 115.448 m.p.h., and was followed by Sutphen Spirit, driven by Mike Hanson, who averaged 109.584 m.p.h.

Oh Boy O’Berto, driven by George Woods, finished third, followed in order by Holset-Miss Madison, driven by Ron Snyder, and Competition Specialties, driven by Larry Lauderbach.

Miss Budweiser, driven by Tom D’Eath, did not start.