SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. — Boat racing will take over Lido Beach this weekend as the 40th annual Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix kicks off.
Over 50 powerboat race teams will compete for the checkered flag with Class 1 teams reaching speeds of up to 160 mph, according to a news release from Powerboat P1.
The exhilarating event — which will take place from Friday to Sunday — is open to the public for free.
"The Grand Prix draws enthusiastic crowds, capturing the attention of visitors and residents alike," Pete Harvey, Director of Sports for Visit Sarasota County said. "It attracts a diverse range of attendees, which generates a sizable surge in tourism and spending.”
Here are some things to keep in mind about this year's event.
Schedule
Friday, Sept. 13
- Testing: 1-2 p.m. at Racecourse off Lido Beach
- Pit Party and concert (open to the public): 6-10 p.m. at Van Wezel Parking Lot
- This will include a live performance from Nashville country artist Andy Velo. There will also be vendors, food trucks and powerboats on display.
Saturday, Sept. 14
- Testing: 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Racecourse off Lido Beach
- VIP Hospitality: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lido Beach
- Opening ceremony: 11-11:30 a.m. at the VIP area
- Class 1 Qualifying: 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Racecourse
- Race 1 — Factory Stock 450R: 1:45 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. at Racecourse
- Race 2 — Super Stock: 3-3:30 p.m. at Racecourse
Sunday, Sept. 15
- Race 3 — Class 1 (30 min plus 1 lap): 10-11 a.m. at Racecourse
- VIP Hospitality: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lido Beach
- Race 4 — Bracket Class 700, 600, 500: 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 a.m. at Racecourse
- Race 5 — MOD-V, Bracket Class 400, 300, 200: 1-2 p.m. at Racecourse
- Race 6 — Super Cat: 2:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. at Racecourse
- Awards: 5:00 p.m. at Van Wezel
- In case of inclement weather, the Awards Ceremony will be held inside the Bayfront Community Center at 803 North Tamiami Trail.
VIP Tickets
The public is welcome to watch the races from Lido Beach for free, but anyone interested in upgrading their viewing experience can buy VIP tickets online by clicking here.
Parking
- Race day parking: St. Armands Parking Garage located at 57 North Adams Drive
- Van Wezel event parking: Palm Avenue Garage and State Street Garage
