MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. (July 31, 2009) – The Super Boat International Racing Series (Super Boat International) is excited to join LaPorte County CVB for the 1st annual Super Boat Great Lakes Grand Prix. This stop on the Superboat racing series will take place August 7 – 9 and includes a boat parade on Friday, block party on Saturday and extreme racing on the southern shores of Lake Michigan on Sunday.
Michigan City and the leaders of LaPorte County are about to feel the rumble from the world’s best powerboat racing teams. With the CVB estimating 20,000 fans to invade the shores of Michigan City for the Grand Lakes Grand Prix, many of the new fans to Super Boat racing should expect an exciting weekend. Fans will have the opportunity to walk through the dry pits in Washington Park and see all their favorite teams and boats.
This season’s three-time winner, throttleman Peter Meyer of the Seminole Hard Casino Superboat, is looking forward to the new venue in this year’s series. “We’re really excited about going to Michigan City. Lake Michigan can be very unpredictable, calm or some really rough seas, but either way it will be great.” Meyer continues his success by leading the National championships points race in the Superboat Vee Unlimited class.
Long time racer and Super Boat International founder, John Carbonell, knows what it’s like to race on the unforgiving waters of Lake Michigan.
“Not to date myself, but twenty seven years ago when I raced here, I broke down just 5 miles from Michigan City and didn’t finish the race. While racing, one engine broke so I had to turn around and go back to Navy Pier. It may have taken me awhile to get here, but I’m very happy I finally made it,” Carbonell replies.
A couple other teams will be making a little noise in the Hoosier State. Miss Geico and Aqua-Mania, entries in the Turbine-Class, are guaranteed to bring the crowd to their feet. These fast cats, and fan-favorite Panasonic Racing’s Super Vee-Extreme Superboat, are sure to race near the front of the pack and put on a great show.
Fans attending this weekend’s festivities in Washington Park can plan on the gates opening Friday at 9:00 a.m. Boats and teams will be setting up during the day followed by a boat parade at 5:00 p.m. on Franklin Street. Saturday afternoon includes boat testing from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the 5.4 mile race course and a block party in Washington Park from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Competition starts Sunday with races at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Plan to arrive early to enjoy all the activities.
For a complete schedule of the weekend’s activities, click on Superboat Michigan City or visit www. Superboat.com website.
Race fans unable to attend the event can also watch the Panasonic 1st Annual Super Boat Great Lakes Grand Prix on CBS Sports. The Great Lakes Grand Prix and upcoming races will appear on the Saturday afternoon “CBS Sports Spectacular” line-up this fall.
About Super Boat International
Founded by John Carbonell 19 years ago, Super Boat International races are scheduled to take place in 9 markets across the country in 2009. The series has attracted many celebrity racers including Don Johnson, Kurt Russell, Chuck Norris, Bruce Jenner and Jason Priestley. An estimated 20 million race fans have attended Super Boat International races and this number continues to grow as the sport attracts new fans. Super Boat International is the official national and international sanctioning body for offshore powerboat racing. For more information about the Super Boat International Racing Series, including the complete race schedule, visit www.Superboat.com.