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The Marine Prop Riders club was established in 1951 to promote Inboard Hydroplane Racing in the Detroit area.

Our racers range in age from their teens to 70-some, and represent at least seven classes of racing from the 1.0 Litre class to the thundering supercharged big-block powered Grand Prix hydros, as well as the Unlimited Hydroplanes that race for the APBA Gold Cup on the Detroit River each summer. We also have members in the Vintage class who run exhibition laps with the raceboats of years gone by.

We set World Records!

MPR members are involved in presenting a number of races in the region, many are drivers and others participate as crew, scorers, referees, rescue personnel and event volunteers. You're welcome to join us.

MPR Membership form for 2023

MPR By-Laws - MPR Awards Policy

See us in Belleville MI June 24 & 25
May 26, 2023

We'll be on the water at ThrillinTheVille.com !

2022 Winners and Awards
November 8, 2022

Congratulations to our 2022 Winners!

Overall High Points – Jim Sechler
1 Litre Mod – Jim Sechler
2.5 Litre Stock – Jeff Dobis
2.5 Litre Mod – Geoffrey Scott
5 Litre – Bobby King

Mario Maraldo "Prop Rider of the Year" – Phil Goodell
Rookie of the Year – Rob Betke
Hard Luck Award – Jim Wilson
Bob Ritz "Hard Charger" Award – Bobby King
Grant Ward "Unsung Hero" Award – Billy Noonan
Doc Terry Memorial Sportsmanship Award – Barry Pray

Also, while not an MPR Award, Peggy Kennard presented the Fred Alter Award to Kathy and Royce Richards for their longtime dedication to the sport of hydroplane boat racing.

Dayton Test and Tune 2022
May 5, 2022

Each year we go to a pre-season test & tune event for everyone to get back on the water and test their off-season changes. Drone footage by Dillon Goodell, then his onboard video.

MPR member Andrew Tate - 2016 H1 Rookie award
January 15, 2017

Andrew Tate was awarded the 2016 H1 Unlimited Rookie trophy.
Watch his first win in Seattle 2016, the race begins 5 minutes in:

Maraldo / King win the 2016 APBA Summer Nationals!
July 23, 2016

This race was something to see... Andrew Tate way out in front but breaks down just short of the finish line, UGH! After that what could be better than Mario Maraldo (owner) and Bobby King (driver) taking the win in Baby Doll III !