Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix: Celebrating 40 Years of Thrills This September

Get ready for a splash of excitement as the Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix marks its 40th anniversary this September 13-15, featuring high-speed powerboat racing off the scenic Lido Beach.

The weekend kicks off with a Pit Party on Friday, September 13, from 6-10 pm in the Van Wezel parking lot. This lively event will feature Nashville country star Andy Velo, a variety of vendors, food trucks, and a showcase of powerboats for fans to explore. The racing action heats up on Saturday and Sunday, as over 50 teams, including Class 1 teams reaching speeds up to 160 mph, vie for victory.

For those looking for an upgraded experience, VIP Viewing tickets offer an elevated vantage point on Lido Beach, directly across from the Start/Finish Line. This year’s VIP area includes enhanced amenities, a live stream of the races, expanded seating, and improved dining options with a cashless payment system. Corporate hospitality tents will also be available.

A new highlight this year is the Class 1 Experience, offering fans an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the fastest powerboats. This package includes private event access, tours, meet-and-greet opportunities with the teams, and premium race viewing on both days. Christy Masters, Hospitality Director, expressed enthusiasm about delivering a memorable experience and attracting more fans to the sport.

The Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix generated an impressive $5 million in economic impact last year. Pete Harvey, Director of Sports for Visit Sarasota County, shared, “We’re thrilled to see the Grand Prix return in September. The event attracts a wide range of visitors and generates significant tourism and spending, benefiting local businesses and attractions.” The shift from the July 4th holiday aims to boost local commerce, ease city and county resource demands, and protect wildlife during nesting season.

National and international coverage from Powerboat P1, including broadcasts on Bally Sports regional networks, will showcase Sarasota to over 230 million households globally. Additionally, MAV TV will live stream the Class 1 race on Sunday from 10-11 am on Powerboat P1 and Class 1 YouTube pages. Proceeds from this year’s event will support the P1 Marine Foundation, which focuses on ocean conservation, research, and youth scholarships in marine conservation.

Sarasota will be the fourth stop on the P1 Offshore series, following events in Cocoa Beach, FL, Lake of the Ozarks, MO, and Sheboygan, WI, with St. Petersburg, FL hosting the final race from October 18-20. For more details, visit: www.P1offshore.com and www.Class1world.com.

Photos courtesy of Sarasota Powerboat Gran Prix