After last year’s record breaking Maple City Grand Prix that saw in excess of 20,000 spectators, this year it’s back and promising to be even bigger than ever!
The kickoff to the 2016 season in Maple City, hosted by the city itself along with Visit Michigan City LaPorte, is ready to blow the doors wide open, featuring 45 race teams that will have you screamin’ and hollerin’ as they tear around the course at speeds over 140 mph.
The event will take place Friday to Sunday at Stone Lake. Friday starts things off in traditional powerboat racing fashion with a massive block party and boat parade that gives all of the teams a chance to personally interact with their fans
“The USF1 tour have told us all the drivers consider La Porte their favorite spot on the tour. In 2015, we had more boats than any race site on the tour,” said Brett Binversie, the La Porte County Convention and Visitors Bureau representative for the city of La Porte. (Chicago Tribune)
“One of the great things is the Friday night block party and boat parade that launch the event. The drivers lover to intermingle with the crowd and line up three deep on State Street at the block party. They love it. They take pictures with the kids. They’re like rock stars. (Chicago Tribune)
Saturday kicks things up a notch with testing and time trials at Lake Stone accompanied by live music and an evening a fireworks provided by well known Melrose Pyrotechnics.
And finally Sunday is what everyone has been waiting for. Racing. During Sunday spectators will get to watch their favorite boats fly across the water at ludicrous speeds and make hairpin turns at 60+ mph, trying to beat out the competition in hopes of taking home the trophy.
With free admission as usual and only a parking fee, we can expect a massive turnout this year and we’re looking forward to seeing some racing!
For years the Jacksonville Poker Run has always been a primary must attend on the national poker run circuit. The run has been a great fundraiser for the local firefighters and a local charity Camp Amigo, the Children’s Burn Camp of North Florida, serving children who suffer from severe burns. Due to personal time constraints and other commitments longtime Jacksonville organizer Bill Pyburn Sr. was not able to conduct the event this year.
When news of cancellation reached long time powerboater Greg Harris , he stepped up and took on some of the responsibility to help Bill Sr. host Jacksonville as a Fun Run keeping the excitement and long time established date alive for everyone who has enjoyed this run for so many years in the past.
With Greg on board it freed Bill Sr. up to help Greg and the collaboration of efforts have saved the event and now everyone is looking forward to a great Fun Run in Jacksonville on the dates that formerly were for a formal poker run. The run will go on without the formalities of sign ups or extra card stops. They hope to continue to donate money to Camp Amigo and are hopeful boaters and boating fans will attend the land events, water events, or both.
Here is a basic run down of all the activities. More information can be found on the events Facebook Page HERE
EVENT INFORMATION:Downtown Jacksonville June 9-11
Trailer Parking and Dockage:
Metro Park and Marina near the stadium, same as in the past. Plenty of dockage for all but they will have some better slips availabe you can reserve for a charity donation.
Host Hotel Lexington Hotel And Conference Center 904-396-5100 All remodeled rooms. Be sure to book through the phone number for the event reservation block. Use FUNRUN to get special rates from $109 King and $199/$219 for Regular and Presidential suites.
The hotel has pledged donations to Camp Amigo for every room so please call to book using the event block.
.Thursday Night Social
Chart House in the Hotel 7-10 pm
Friday Raft Up
Boater Skip Day
Same location as past years with food and drinks available onsite.
Friday Evening
Wing Party and Social at Metro Park marina
Saturday Fun Run
Departure from downtown about 10:30am
We plan to run down to Renegades in Palatka
We will have 93 octane fuel available at a nearby marina.
Saturday Night
Many options for dinner and socializing. You can go to the same restaurant as the last two years and have the private room upstairs. They are offering ordering from the menu or you get a set price for the nice buffet as in the past.
Post below in the comment section with any other questions. Bill Sr. and Greg do have some out of pocket expenses if anyone is willing to help out since the run is free please throw them some cash to help out.
A Memorial Day explosion on Lake Norman resulted in several injuries as well as a woman having to be airlifted to the hospital with serious burns.
According to officials, the boat had just left the shore around 5 p.m. on Monday with five passengers on board when it caught fire and exploded.
Witnesses say they say four people able to jump off the boat and escape but the 5th, a woman, was blown off of the boat by the explosion. Nearby North Carolina Wildlife boats were able to rescue all five passengers, the 5th need urgent medical care as she was having trouble breathing and was badly burned when they pulled her from the water.
Two of the total passengers were taken to the hospital to be treated for burns and the rest were confirmed to be uninjured.
Mercedes inherently conjures up visions of high performance luxury cars and insanely fast race vehicles. It’s what they are. A company, albeit a way of life, dedicated to the pursuit of perfection on and off the track as well as the water.
Two drivers from Mercedes AMG Pettonas Formula 1 Team, Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton, met before making the run up to the Monaco Grand Prix this Monday. Only this time they met on the water not the track.
It’s only natural that these two high octane drivers would command the controls of the latest crafts in the Mercedes fleet. Hamilton took the driver’s seat of the newest Cigarette Racing 50 Marauder AMG Monaco Concept, a twin 1550 HP monster with the elegance achieved only by Mercedes. Meanwhile Rosberg decided to dive into the world of modern luxury in the form of the “Arrow460-Granturismo” motor yacht.
Cigarette and Mercedes have always been known for achieving what was once fantasy, and now they are only adding to their legacy as the driving forces behind modern performance and style.
Read the full press release below from Mercedes-Benz to experience a truly one-of-a-kind event that will undoubtedly shape the future of both industries. When performance and luxury on the street meet performance and luxury on the water, pure perfection is born.
ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE
One Star – Two Worlds with Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton
Speed & Style: Racing Performance Meets
Modern Luxury in Monaco
The two drivers from the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula 1 Team, Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton, met during the run-up to the Monaco Grand Prix on 29 May 2016 for a sensational event off the racetrack. Hamilton put his driving ability to the test on the water with a Cigarette Racing speedboat. Rosberg showed what a relaxed lifestyle cruising off the coast of Monaco looks like on the Mercedes-Benz Style luxury motor yacht. The two demonstrated that the worlds of modern luxury and racing performance blend perfectly under the Mercedes-Star – both on water and on land: Hamilton showed the world of performance with the “Cigarette Racing 50 Marauder AMG Monaco Concept”, inspired by the current MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula 1 car, which he also brought to the event. Meanwhile, Rosberg demonstrated the world of modern luxury with the S-Class Cabriolet and the Mercedes-Benz Style luxury motor yacht “ARROW460 – Granturismo.” The Cigarette Racing speedboat and our Mercedes-Benz Style luxury yacht ‘ARROW460-Granturismo’ represent a coming together of two design icons. Each of them is hot & cool as their design is both attractive and surprisingly new, making both boats perfect embodiments of emotion and intelligence; states Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Daimler. He adds: The ‘ARROW460-Granturismo’ carries our Mercedes genes throughout. We have transferred an automotive design idiom to a yacht – and this design statement far outside the usual mainstream in the boat industry allows us to create a totally original aesthetic.
Ever since the brand exists, motorsport has been part of the DNA of Mercedes- Benz and is one of the core activities creating performance and power. This is framed by modern luxury that embodies the brands design philosophy of sensual purity by the highest measure of emotionality and technical perfection. This perfectly illustrates the standards of the founding fathers Gottlieb Daimler and Carl Benz, always to strive for the best and thus to delight both heart and mind in equal measure. This results in products with a timeless attractiveness that fascinate people around the globe.
Pure performance and power
The high-performance boat “Cigarette Racing 50 Marauder AMG Monaco Concept” is equipped with the most powerful series-production twin engines in the Cigarette portfolio. Two Mercury Racing V8 racing engines each with 1140 kW (1550 hp) take the 50 foot-long (approx. 15 metres) and eight foot-wide (approx. 2.40 metres) powerboat to an estimated top speed of more than 228 km/h (more than 142 mph). The characteristic design and the thoroughbred motorsport technology are inspired by the performance brand Mercedes-AMG and the current MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula 1 car. The boat is made in a new type of layup process which has been specially developed for racing and reduces weight but also ensures better handling under high loads.
The Mercedes-Benz designers were responsible for the exterior design featuring black and silver tones contrasted by sporty turquoise green highlights as well as for the interior design which is inspired by the classic Cigarette Racing cockpit. Furthermore, the user interface offers state-of- the-art technologies: computer- based control, four high-resolution displays, Garmin navigation, and a Pure audio system. The price of this unique boat is approx. 1.6 million US dollars (when purchased FOB Monaco).
Mercedes-AMG and Cigarette Racing have been working in partnership since 2007. Both share racing roots and the uncompromising passion for performance plus the aim to always deliver optimum achievements. Modern luxury on the water.
Designed by Mercedes-Benz Style and developed together with Silver Arrow Marine, the luxury “Arrow460–Granturismo” motor yacht celebrated its world premiere in April 2016. With this model, Mercedes-Benz is developing a completely new boat concept. The 14-metre- long 706 kW (960 hp) “Silver Arrow of the Seas”
Mercedes-Benz – A Daimler Brand combines the performance of the famous Mercedes-Benz sports cars with unique innovations from the boat industry. The yacht has classic automobile proportions that bring the hallmark Mercedes design idiom of sensual purity onto the water in a highly emotional and dynamic form. The yacht also combines the advantages of an open boat with those of a hull cabin cruiser in unique fashion. Its crossover design offers the ultimate in variability, resulting in a boat that is equally suitable for day trips and overnight stays on board. The yacht offers room for up to ten people and is available in the fully equipped Edition 1at a price of 2.5 million euros.
With the world premiere of the “ARROW460 – Granturismo” the Mercedes-Benz Style designers have made Gottlieb Daimler’s dream come true. 130 years after the invention of the automobile, individual mobility is now possible on land, on water and in the air. In 2011 the “Airbus Helicopters H145 Mercedes-Benz Style" lifted off as the first mobility product beyond the automobile.
Mercedes-Speedboat “Wiener Neustadt“ Speedboats of the house of Mercedes own a long tradition. Already in 1906, the Mercedes-Speedboat “Wiener Neustadt” caused sensation. Designed by the engineer Fritz Maier, it was driven by a 147 kW (200 hp) strong Daimler-eight- cylinder engine, which was built by the first Daimler-engine- company in the Neustadt of Vienna. Due to the high waves the boat threw at races in front of the Côte d’Azur, it was called by the nickname “whale”.
If that answer isn’t a full out yell, “YES!” then hopefully we can enlighten you as to one of the biggest powerboat events in the nation and you’ll start packing your bags as we speak.
The Lake Cumberland Thunder Run is for everyone! It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from, every year sees a very diverse turnout of boats from 46′ Skaters ,Cigarettes , and Pontoon Boats! This year, event organizers are changing a few things up as they do every year to keep it interesting for all of the participants.
Friday there will be an incorporated fun run to Fish Tales restaurant at Wolf Creek Marina for lunch where boaters can also collect a bonus poker chip for an extra card to turn in on Saturday. On top of that, they have also brought in a brand new live band this year so get things rockin’ and rollin’!
Saturday includes registration and the drivers meeting before a long run to Lees Ford Marina for lunch and drinks with all the crews. (Departure Schedule listed below)
This year organizers have also brought back the aerial photography by Jacob Davis with Lake Life Fotos which should make for some awesome media content and boating shots that will be on display for everyone to see at the Friday and Saturday night parties.
And speaking of parties… Don’t forget the annual raft up! Taking place at 76 Falls, it promises to be a fun time for everyone involved.
Lastly, what’s a powerboat run without prizes and gifts! This year the prizes are nothing short of amazing. From a free houseboat rental from Grider Hill Marina, to a Surge Break Conversion Kit by Hydrastar and everything in-between, this is one run that you are not going to want to miss.
So start packing your bags and loading up the boat. It’s right around the corner and we all want to see you there! This event is organized by our Cool Ass Powerboating Brother Justin Lucas , he and his team will make sure you have a incredible time at Lake Cumberland! More information HERE–LAKE CUMBERLAND POWERBOAT CLUB
See Time Schedule and Prize List Below
SCHEDULE
Friday, June 17th (CST)
11:00 am- 1:00 pm: Fun run/ lunch run/ bonus stop at Fishtales
restaurant at Wolf Creek Marina (those who attend the lunch run/ bonus
stop will receive a bonus poker chip for a extra card at Saturdays card
turn in.)
After the Fun run/ lunch run/ bonus stop head back to 76 Falls for a raft
up!!!
6:00 pm- 9:00 pm: Pre registration and meet and greet
8:00 pm- 12:00 am: Live entertainment provided by the band Backlit
11:30 am: Yellow Group 100 MPH and over
11:35 am: Red Group 75-100 MPH
11:40 am: Green Group under 75 MPH
11:45 am: Blue Group under 75 MPH
11:50 am: Black Group under 75 MPH/ Cruiser Class
Card Stops
1st: Conley Bottom Resort
2nd (lunch stop): Lees Ford Marina
3rd: Wolf Creek Marina
4th: State Dock
After you pick up your chip at State Dock head back to 76 Falls for a
raft up!!
5th: Grider Hill Marina and Resort (you will receive your last card at
card turn in)
5:00 pm- 8:00 pm: Card turn in at Grider Hill
5:00 pm- 9:00 pm: Dinner provided by Texas Roadhouse
8:30 pm: Award’s and prize ceremony
9:00 pm: Live entertainment provided by the band Backlit
PRIZES
HOUSEBOAT RENTAL FROM GRIDER HILL MARINA AND RESORT,
The 2016 Sailfish Regatta was a huge success this year! Despite the forecast of rain on Saturday, which put a damper on attendance despite not a single drop of rain falling, Sergio Nativi, president of the regatta, estimates that there were between 7,500 and 10,000 visitors over the entire course of the weekend.
Coming off of the largely successful race weekend, event organizers are already focused on 2017 and making it bigger and better than ever with more race boats, larger venues, and a lot more spectators. Organizers are particularly focused on expanding the Grand Prix racing class which is the largest and most powerful class of boats. Bringing in by far the most spectators, expanding next year’s races with many more boats will surely take the regatta to the next level.
“I’m in this for the long haul,” Nativi said about his tenure as president. “We have a great team, and little by little we’re chipping away to make it a better event for all involved.”
Be sure to browse through all of the event photos taken by Pete Boden of Shoot 2 Thrill pix onsite!
The next great powerboat adventure with Powerboat Nation 2016 is Smokin’ the Sound in Gulfport Mississippi! SMOKIN’ THE SOUND is going to be another fantastic run on the Gulf Coast.
June 2-5 another large group of powerboaters will gather at the fabulous Golden Nugget Casino for another great event. Organized and sponsored by local businesses the Smokin the Sound Poker Run provides yest another opportunity to gather and have a great time in the gulf coast waters.
Powerboat Nation will be at this event bringing you back direct coverage and a first impression of the new 32 Cat from Sonic PowerBoats offered by Tony Canale and Atlanta Performance Boats who is kicking off their 2016 Poker Run Tour.
June is shaping up to be a huge month of great powerboating so sit down and ride along with Powerboat Nation as we bring it all back to you.
The Powerboat Nation Tickfaw 200 video is here for you to enjoy! What more can we say that we have not already said. Tickfaw was, is, and will be the most unique, one-of-a-kind, and imitated but never duplicated, powerboat gathering in the world.
Some people talk, some people write, some people front. Powerboat Nation does and delivers! We hope you enjoy what we put together for you.
According to Coast Guard statistics there were a total of 626 boating fatalities in 2015, a 2.6 increase since 2014.
And more than not, the tragedies could have been averted if boaters took the time to safely prepare for the outing and taken the necessary safety precautions. Out of the total deaths, 76% were reported as the result of drowning. And of those victims, 85% were not wearing a life jacket.
Further statistics offered by the Coast Guard show that there is also a significant lack of safety and vessel knowledge when it comes to boaters. Where the cause of death was known, 71% of those deaths took place on vessels where the operator did not receive boating safety instruction.
The Coast Guard is encouraging boaters to take advantage of boating safety courses, especially with summer just around the corner. If the predictions hold true, the year’s warmest weather will be here for the holiday weekend, prompting more people to take to area waterways. With alcohol use playing a part in 15 percent of boating fatalities in 2015, mariners should pay heed to the advice to “not drink and boat.”
We hope that everyone has a blast out on the water and most importantly… Be Safe!
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