Official media release for the 34th Annual HotelPlanner Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Festival:
As this historic race site prepares to celebrate 34 years of racing history June 23-July 4, it continues to offer over a dozen exciting events the entire family can enjoy. Events include a golf classic, car show, boat and personal watercraft fun run, kickoff party, meet & greet reception with race teams, a motorcycle coastal cruise for charity, fireworks, comedy night and much more!
New this year is a “Boats By The Bay” Party In The Pits scheduled for Friday evening (June 29) in the parking lot of the VanWezel. The event will feature the high-energy live music of Fire & Ice, the crowning of Miss Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix, and an opportunity meet the race teams and see the boats up close. This event will be followed by a two day “Fan Fest” (June 30 – July 1). All three events offer free admission and will take place in the Van Wezel Parking lot. Race fans attending the Fan Festival will be able to sit under a large tent watching race boats get placed into the water, listen to live music, enjoy vendors, great food, and a full bar. They will also be able to watch a livestream of all the racing action from the comfort of their chairs located under a large tent.
Powerboat P1 is the sanctioning organization for the races. Close to 40 powerboat race teams and over 25 AquaX racers are expected to battle it out for the checkered flag. VIP race day viewing tickets are available for Sunday, July 1, and include tented seating behind the Sandcastle Resort across from the start/finish line, complimentary parking, food, and beverages. Tickets are limited and can be purchased at sarasotapowerboatgrandprix.org
CBS Sports will feature a one hour post event special of Sarasota’s Grand Prix Race airing on Sunday, July 22, at 4 pm. The program will air in all 50 states with a reach of 65 Million households. An encore air date for the show is yet to be announced. In addition to this, a one hour program featuring personal watercraft AquaX races, as well as a thirty minute program featuring the P1 SuperStock Class (28’one-design, open canopy race boats), will be aired post- event on Fox Sports Florida.
Presenting sponsors for the HotelPlanner Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Festival include Visit Sarasota and Sarasota County. Major Sponsors include Budweiser, City of Sarasota, Sarasota Ford, Ocean Properties, FCCI Insurance, and Hyatt Regency Sarasota. The Festival is produced by, with proceeds benefitting, Suncoast Charities for Children. Last year’s event generated $37 Million in economic impact and over $100,000 for the charity. For more information and updates visit sarasotapowerboatgrandprix.org
