Since 1985, summers in Sarasota, FL have been inundated by the constant, blood pumping sound of ultra high performance powerboats thundering around the race course set up just offshore. Growing bigger and bigger every year, this year is following suit, promising to be the biggest Sarasota Grand Prix to date!
The headlining event is the P1 Superstock races on Saturday and Sunday. The races encompass all levels of boats from slower production class boats to the Extreme Class boats that hit upwards of 150 mph on the race course. The races are part of the Powerboat P1 race circuit which feature open canopy 28-foot panther boats. With designated areas for spectators to watch from their boats or the shores, including a VIP section, we hope to see you out there rooting for your favorite team!
Don’t miss the Block Party! Friday is when the streets shut down and all of the powerboats and their teams will be on display starting at 6 p.m. There’s going to be tons of live music featuring Tampa band Luna Blue, food, drinks, and all beverage merchandise sales go directly to the charity.
Unfortunately this year there will be no parade since the Thunder By The Bay parade drew lots of criticism from local businesses after the streets were shut down, so make sure to get in all your partying on Friday at the block party while you have the chance!
Please refer to the event schedule below provided directly by the Herald Tribune
Schedule
“Grand Prix by the Sea” Kickoff Party
6-10 p.m. Tuesday: Sarasota Yacht Club, 1100 John Ringling Boulevard; $100
A party at the Sarasota Yacht Club featuring a silent auction, 50/50 raffle, and live music by Kettle of Fish. Tickets for purchase online for $100 at sarasotapowerboatgrandprix.orgProceeds go to support Suncoast Charities for Children.
Fleming’s Fan Fest
5-9 p.m. Wednesday; Fleming’s Steakhouse, 2001 Siesta Drive, Sarasota; free admission
Meet race teams at Fleming’s from 5 to 9 p.m. and enjoy a specially priced happy hour and purchase festival merchandise.
Meet & Greet Who’s In The Driver’s Seat Team Reception
12-2 p.m. Friday; Hyatt Regency Ballroom, 1000 Boulevard of the Arts; $5 adults; 12 and younger free
Boats on Main Downtown Block Party
6-11 p.m. Friday; downtown Sarasota
Friday Street Closings:
Main Street: Orange Ave. to Palm Ave. closing 3:30-11 p.m.
Lemon Avenue.: First St. to State St. closing at 10 a.m.–midnight
Central Avenue: Main St. to First St. closing 3:30-11 p.m.
Pineapple Avenue: State St. to First St. closing 3:30-11 p.m.
Super Stock Races
Lido Beach; 400 Ben Franklin Drive, Lido Key
Saturday 2 July
Superstock and Aqua X Races (qualifying) at Lido Beach, live race broadcast and activities at the Sandcastle Resort at Lido Beach, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Powerboat Open practice at Lido Beach 11:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.
VIP Race Viewing at the Sandcastle Resort at Lido Beach 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. $100 per person
Sunday 3 July
Powerboat Races at Lido Beach and P1 Superstock and AquaX Races (Final Round), live race broadcast and activities at Sandcastle Resort from 9 a.m. — 4 p.m., open to the public.
VIP Race viewing at the Sandcastle Resort at Lido Beach 9 a.m.-4 p.m., $100 per person
Race team award presentations at Centennial Park at 5 p.m., open to the public
Bayfront Fireworks 4 July
Monday, July 4
Although not officially part of the Grand Prix, the Suncoast Charities for Children, in partnership with Marina Jack, helps raise the money to produce the Bayfront Fireworks
(View the original article on the Herald Tribune website right here)
