A new partnership between the world’s leading marine motorsport brand, Powerboat P1 and OPA Racing has created the American Power Boat Association (APBA) Offshore Championship with Michigan City set to host the penultimate round. The two promoters have released details of the race sites in the six-venue series that will see the Great Lakes Grand Prix staged over the weekend of 3/4 August as it celebrates its 11th anniversary. Michigan City joins high-profile race events in Florida, Missouri and Michigan between May and the end of September. The aim is to strengthen the future of racing in the country by delivering an expanded, cohesive, world class championship split equally between northern and southern states, and the belief is that the new series will produce significant results commercially and also in terms of the sport’s organization and profile. For the race weekend in Michigan City, P1 will serve up a double bill of powerboat and personal watercraft AquaX racing. The AquaX USA Pro Series attracts outstanding riders from across the United States and Canada, as well as South America and Europe, and the series will head to Indiana for the third round of the five-venue championship. Jack Arnett, Executive Director of the LaPorte County Convention & Visitors Bureau, is excited about the opportunity presented by the APBA Offshore Championship and the Mayor of Michigan City, Ron Meer, added: “As we enter the second decade of the Great Lakes Grand Prix I am delighted about the new P1/OPA partnership and the far-reaching and positive impact it will have on our city. The Great Lakes Grand Prix continues to grow into one of Indiana’s and the Midwest’s biggest events and showcasing more of these spectacular boats on our lakefront will undoubtedly increase the level of enthusiasm and excitement.”
Race Director, Rick Wright explains that the future of the Michigan City event is based on getting more national and international attention and expects the new series to achieve that: “We have spent a lot of time and effort building the event, and people come here to enjoy the weekend of racing with the racers treated like rock stars.” Speaking from his office at P1’s race headquarters in Florida, P1 Chief Executive Azam Rangoonwala said: “Since we began racing in 2003, we have staged more than 600 races in 18 countries, but this will be our first visit to Michigan City and our aim is to stage a great weekend of sport and entertainment for residents and visitors. Partnerships are at the heart of our business and our events are designed to excite and entertain, ensuring spectator enjoyment and sponsor value with a significant impact for the local economy.” The Mayor concluded by saying: “The City of Michigan City, our residents and businesses proudly look forward to welcoming the racers, their teams, families and all the fans to witness our beautiful community and another epic Michigan City Great Lakes Grand Prix.”