Springing a leak

The Union-Tribune has reported that the American Boat Racing Association has dropped San Diego from its 2009 World Series of Powerboat Racing schedule for the first time in 40 years. But though it cited a “dispute between the local event and the ABRA over the race purse and fees,” the paper hasn't talked about whether or not the U-T will repeat as the main sponsor of Bayfair on Mission Bay, the annual September event that put up the cash for the Unlimited Hydroplane races. Last year the event was known as “San Diego Bayfair, Powered by the Union-Tribune.”

In addition to giving money, the paper provided plenty of hype. An August news release by the boat-racing association said it had found “a perfect match of sponsors with The San Diego Union-Tribune and [the] other major corporate partner The Boeing Company.” But this year the paper is awaiting the close of its sale to Platinum Equity of Beverly Hills, supposedly sometime before July. Any decisions on future marketing expenses aren’t expected until then. Bayfair organizers could not be reached for comment.