SARASOTA, Fla. — Boat racing will take over Lido Beach as the 40th annual Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix kicks off this weekend.
Nearly 70 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.
Teams began arriving at the 'pit' which is set up in the parking lot of the Van Wezel.
"You know it's kind of like a fighter pilot cockpit inside," Steven Furman said.
Furman is the driver for the "El Bandido Racing Team" and has been attending the event for nearly a decade with his family. The boat he is driving carries a special meeting for him and the team.
"This guy, right here is the builder of the boat and he built us one safe battle tank. He's always above us in the canopy, always looking down on us from up above and we thank him every day for the strongest built MOD-V out there," Furman said about his late team member, Mark Spates, who died in 2019.
"It's kind of very personal to us because he's no longer with us, so we got the last hand-built boat by him. But this boat is an absolute battle tank," he said.
Most of the participants and speed boat enthusiasts come to the event for the thrill of the competition and the adrenaline rush that follows.
"It's like being in 100 car accidents every hour. it's very violent inside. We have suspension seats that help with that and cool wind shirts that keep you cool but even still, it is brutal and it gets upwards of 100° inside," Furman explained.
"I love the people. I love the town. It's always nice in here. It's perfect down here. It's a little bit hot, but I'm from Norway and I'm more used to the cold," Rolf Arnestad with the Defalco Racing team said.
The Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix is the second longest continuously running race in the world according to the organizers.
They also said the event's economic impact on the community is more than $5 million annually, and moving it from the July 4 weekend was a strategic money-making move to amplify that opportunity.
"Some of these teams bring in upwards of 30 people with them. That's crews and family members. These are people who are staying in local hotels and spending money in local businesses. It's a win-win something the community can enjoy free of charge, something that the racers can take pride in," Lucy Nicandri from Powerboat P1 said.
"The area businesses are really appreciative. September is a typically slow month so when it's all sent done it was actually a good move for these local businesses as well as the racers too," Nicandri explained.
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.
Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix 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