APBA Gold Cup Returns to Madison, Indiana – July 3–5, 2026
Dave Villwock celebrates the 2025 Gold Cup victory with U-27 teammates
Kennewick, Washington — November 14, 2025 — The American Power Boat Association (APBA), the Madison Regatta and H1 Unlimited Hydroplane Racing Series are proud to announce that the APBA Gold Cup will return to Madison, Indiana, July 3–5, 2026, as part of the 76th Madison Regatta.
The event will take place on Madison’s legendary Ohio River racecourse, marking a homecoming for one of the sport’s most iconic prizes and a city deeply intertwined with hydroplane history.
A Trophy steeped in legacy
First awarded in 1904, the APBA Gold Cup is recognized as the oldest active trophy in motorsports. For more than a century, it has represented the pinnacle of powerboat racing achievement, traveling from the Hudson River to Detroit, Seattle, San Diego and Madison, Indiana.
Its champions include the sport’s most legendary names: Bill Muncey, Chip Hanauer, and Dave Villwock, competitors who defined generations of speed and innovation. Madison’s connection to this legacy runs deep. The Miss Madison Racing Team, the only community-owned team in professional motorsports, captured the 1971 Gold Cup in front of a hometown crowd, an unforgettable victory that was later immortalized in the Hollywood film Madison. Since then, the city has hosted the Gold Cup in 1979, 1980, 2019, and 2021, reinforcing its status as one of the true spiritual homes of hydroplane racing.
A return to the classic course
The 2026 Gold Cup will mark a return to Madison’s traditional racecourse, known for its fast straights, tight turns, and the unmatched atmosphere created by fans who line the riverbanks year after year. The weekend will feature the world’s fastest Unlimited hydroplanes battling for the sport’s most historic prize, alongside additional and exhibition classes.
“This is a tremendous moment for our sport and for the Madison community,” said Kyle Bipes, Madison Regatta President. “Madison has always been the heart of hydroplane racing. Bringing the Gold Cup back here is not only a celebration of our history, it’s an investment in our future.”
Darrell Strong, co-owner of HydroTown, added: “Few places embrace this sport like Madison does. The people, the passion, the river, it’s all part of what makes the Gold Cup weekend so special. This is where legends are made.”
Event Details
Event: 2026 APBA Gold Cup / 76th Madison Regatta
Dates: July 3–5, 2026
Location: Madison, Indiana – Ohio River
Website: www.madisonregatta.com
APBA Gold Cup Returns to Madison, Indiana – July 3–5, 2026
Dave Villwock celebrates the 2025 Gold Cup victory with U-27 teammates
Kennewick, Washington — November 14, 2025 — The American Power Boat Association (APBA), the Madison Regatta and H1 Unlimited Hydroplane Racing Series are proud to announce that the APBA Gold Cup will return to Madison, Indiana, July 3–5, 2026, as part of the 76th Madison Regatta.
The event will take place on Madison’s legendary Ohio River racecourse, marking a homecoming for one of the sport’s most iconic prizes and a city deeply intertwined with hydroplane history.
A Trophy steeped in legacy
First awarded in 1904, the APBA Gold Cup is recognized as the oldest active trophy in motorsports. For more than a century, it has represented the pinnacle of powerboat racing achievement, traveling from the Hudson River to Detroit, Seattle, San Diego and Madison, Indiana.
Its champions include the sport’s most legendary names: Bill Muncey, Chip Hanauer, and Dave Villwock, competitors who defined generations of speed and innovation. Madison’s connection to this legacy runs deep. The Miss Madison Racing Team, the only community-owned team in professional motorsports, captured the 1971 Gold Cup in front of a hometown crowd, an unforgettable victory that was later immortalized in the Hollywood film Madison. Since then, the city has hosted the Gold Cup in 1979, 1980, 2019, and 2021, reinforcing its status as one of the true spiritual homes of hydroplane racing.
A return to the classic course
The 2026 Gold Cup will mark a return to Madison’s traditional racecourse, known for its fast straights, tight turns, and the unmatched atmosphere created by fans who line the riverbanks year after year. The weekend will feature the world’s fastest Unlimited hydroplanes battling for the sport’s most historic prize, alongside additional and exhibition classes.
“This is a tremendous moment for our sport and for the Madison community,” said Kyle Bipes, Madison Regatta President. “Madison has always been the heart of hydroplane racing. Bringing the Gold Cup back here is not only a celebration of our history, it’s an investment in our future.”
Darrell Strong, co-owner of HydroTown, added: “Few places embrace this sport like Madison does. The people, the passion, the river, it’s all part of what makes the Gold Cup weekend so special. This is where legends are made.”
Event Details
Event: 2026 APBA Gold Cup / 76th Madison Regatta
Dates: July 3–5, 2026
Location: Madison, Indiana – Ohio River
Website: www.madisonregatta.com