After a five year separation, the American Boat Racing Association and the American Power Boat Association have reached an agreement that will once again make unlimited hydroplane racing a part of the APBA.

"Personally, I am really pleased that we have been able to reach this agreement," said ABRA Race Chairman Sam Cole. "It positions us for the future growth of this sport and aligns us for potential global opportunities with UIM through the APBA. With the new events in British Columbia, Canada and Doha, Qatar-- being able to work with national sanctioning organizations through APBA is very important."

It also restores a missing tradition for Unlimited Hydroplane Racing. This will give the sport the return of the Martini-Rossi National Championship Trophy, opportunity to nominate and induct drivers, owners and others for the APBA Hall of Champions and world-wide recognition for the race and speed records .

"This is a golden day for the sport of powerboat racing as a whole," said Mark Weber, APBA President. "This is a win-win situation that will also allow the APBA to help the unlimited hydroplanes with better opportunities to bring in support classes for different races and help on other fronts with sanctions and insurance."

A valued asset in the agreement for the ABRA is the return of trademarks, logo and marketing licenses which will allow the sport to better brand Unlimited Hydroplane Racing as the premier category of racing boats worldwide. The unlimited teams will now have the APBA logo on their uniforms, boats and all transport trucks.

Even though the two groups parted ways five years ago, the ABRA teams have been supportive of APBA, joining to compete for the Gold Cup and the UIM World Championship races in Madison and San Diego and many of the drivers have continued to compete in a variety of APBA categories.

"I want to thank Sam Cole and the ABRA Board of Directors for helping make this a reality," said Weber. "As Event Director for the Detroit Chrysler Jeep APBA Gold Cup and a former unlimited hydroplane race driver myself, I am excited about the benefits we each can bring to one another"

And Cole feels the same way.

"I want to personally thank our Board of Directors for supporting this agreement and working to move the sport forward in these tough economic times, "added Cole. "And I would be remiss without acknowledging Mark Weber and Charlie Strang for their commitment and resolve in getting this job done."

"We have a bright future and share the common vision of promoting powerboat racing throughout the world," said Cole. "More importantly, it is a link that solidifies our past and recognizes achievement in the present and future."