Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Returns

June 21, 2022 – Sarasota

Powerboat P1, the London-headquartered international marine motorsport promoter, has announced the historic Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix will return on the weekend of July 1-3. As one of Sarasota’s longest running events, the grand prix generates millions of dollars in economic impact for the community annually. More than 60 race teams are expected to attend this year with teams and drivers from around the world, including Australia, Italy, Sweden, New Zealand, Cayman Islands and Canada.

The event, presented by Visit Sarasota County, will kick off on Friday July 1^st with the traditional downtown block party giving fans the opportunity to meet the teams and see the boats up-close on Gulfstream Avenue from 6:00-10:00pm. Attendees will enjoy live music and drinks, and can interact with the drivers in front of their race boats.

Racing will begin at Lido Beach on Saturday July 2^nd with P1 AquaX personal watercraft racing at 8:00am, followed by P1 Offshore powerboat testing from 10:30am-1:30pm. P1 AquaX will stage its second race before the UIM Class 1 World Powerboat Championship teams compete for Pole position from 3:30-4:30pm.

Sunday will feature a full day of racing with P1 AquaX, P1 Offshore and the high-speed Class 1 boats all in action. There will be a new P1 Village fan zone in the Lido Beach parking lot on Sunday, complete with vendors including food trucks, a beer garden, merchandise, fun activities, and live music. Lido Beach will also feature P1’s VIP hospitality suite, offering a catered lunch, open bar, lounge seating and televisions to enhance the race viewing experience. 

The P1 Offshore Sarasota Grand Prix presented by Visit Sarasota County will be televised globally as well as in the U.S. on CBS Sports Network and Bally Sports Regional Networks, showcasing the white sugary sands of Sarasota’s beaches and the vibrant downtown city life.

“Sarasota is our biggest race of the year and we’re thrilled to be returning with Visit Sarasota County as our presenting partner,” said Azam Rangoonwala, CEO of Powerboat P1. “Sarasota is an idyllic venue with a rich, storied history of powerboat racing. We have a powerful platform through our international television broadcasting to showcase this beautiful city to the world, and we want to encourage everyone, local or tourists, to enjoy all that there is to experience here.”

 “For decades, the races have been a unique summer event that appeals to both locals and visitors. We recognize and thank the Powerboat P1 team for the thorough planning alongside multiple Sarasota entities, ranging from environmental groups to law enforcement, to make this event safe and enjoyable for all,” said Virginia J. Haley, president of Visit Sarasota County.

“As a Sarasota native, I recognize the historic value this event brings to the community,” said Cole McGowan, Powerboat P1’s Director of Communications. “We value the heritage and prestige of this event and aiming to add new experiences for fans. This is going to be a standout year for powerboat racing in Sarasota with one of the largest fleets of race boats in recent years. I’m excited for fellow locals to experience everything that the Grand Prix weekend has to offer.”

Schedule of Events

Friday, July 1^st
Downtown Block Party 6:00PM-10:00PM Gulfstream Ave.

Saturday, July 2^nd
P1 Pit Lounge   10:00AM-5:00PM Van Wezel (tent across from boat ramp)
P1 AquaX Race 1  8:30AM-10:00AM Racecourse (Lido Beach)
P1 Offshore Testing  10:30AM-1:30PM Racecourse (Lido Beach)
P1 AquaX Race 2  1:30PM-3:30PM Racecourse (Lido Beach)
UIM Class 1 Pole Position 3:30PM-4:30PM Racecourse (Lido Beach)

Sunday, July 3^rd
P1 AquaX Race   8:30AM-10:00AM Racecourse (Lido Beach)
VIP Hospitality   9:00AM-5:00PM Lido Beach
P1 Village fan zone  9:00AM-5:00PM Lido Beach parking lot
P1 Offshore Race 1  10:00AM-11:00AM Racecourse (Lido Beach)
P1 Offshore Race 2  11:15AM-12:30PM Racecourse (Lido Beach)
UIM Class 1 Race  12:45PM-2:00PM Racecourse (Lido Beach)
P1 Offshore Race 3  2:15PM-3:30PM Racecourse (Lido Beach)
P1 Offshore Race 4  3:30PM-4:30PM Racecourse (Lido Beach)

Contact: Cole McGowan, Powerboat P1
E: cole.mcgowan@powerboatp1.com
P: (941) 667-0077