point pleasant offshore powerboat race

Offshore Grand Prix roars back to Point Pleasant Beach as COVID-19 hiatus sinks away

POINT PLEASANT BEACH - Tom and Susan Ahearn leaned against the boardwalk railing and stared out to sea.

Roaring by and leaving large wakes behind, power boats competing in the Point Pleasant Beach Offshore Grand Prix raced against time — and each other — as the race returned after a one-year hiatus caused by COVID-19. The race is sponsored by Jersey Mike's.

"It's really exciting," Brick resident Susan Ahearn said of the power boat race, which drew large crowds to the boardwalk on a bright, sunny afternoon. "This is really very enjoyable."

"It's a beautiful day for it," Tom Ahearn added.

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Boats emblazoned with names like "Perdition," "Bounty Hunter" and "Jersey Outlaw" competed on a course that began and ended in front of Jenkinson's Pavilion. Boats raced along a two-mile course that started in Point Pleasant Beach and reached into Bay Head. 

The boat races kicked off at noon, and spectators sat on boardwalk benches or pressed against the railing to watch the boats scream past. The races capped a weekend of activities related to the Offshore Grand Prix, including a boat parade on Saturday and a winners circle ceremony for winners scheduled for the Wharfside Seafood and Patio Bar Sunday afternoon.

"A buddy of mine is in the race," said Upper Freehold resident Byran Scheff. "He told me about it and it sounded like a fun day out. I brought my kids. It's good to see people out and about."

Scheff said it felt like things were just about back to normal after the shutdowns caused by the pandemic. 

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Before the races kicked off, spectators could view some of the boats and speak to crew members at the Point Pleasant Beach train station, where many of the boats were on display.

Former Brick resident and power boat racer Greg Young, who lives in Sarasota, Florida, these days, recalled winning the grand prix in 1989 and 1990 with Hydro Tech power boats. Back then, there were many more entries in the Offshore Grand Prix, Young said.

He said he is hopeful that the races will continue to attract more teams.

"When I raced it was the heyday," he said. "I think they're bringing the heyday back."

Jean Mikle covers Toms River and several other Ocean County towns, and has been writing about local government and politics at the Jersey Shore for nearly 35 years. A finalist for the 2010 Pulitzer Prize in public service, she's also passionate about the Shore's storied music scene. Contact her: @jeanmikle, [email protected]

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Offshore powerboat Grand Prix returns to Point Pleasant Beach

Offshore Grand Prix Revving Up For 2023 Point Pleasant Beach Race

POINT PLEASANT BEACH, NJ — For nearly 50 years, offshore powerboat racing has been a staple of summer in Point Pleasant Beach.

In its early days, in the 1970s and early 1980s, the race then known as the Benihana Grand Prix drew thousands of fans and visitors to the area in the middle of July for races that in the early days ran as far as Fire Island off Long Island.

"This town is the epicenter of great race sites," said Randy Schleuss of Typhoon Offshore Racing Team , a legend in the offshore powerboat race circles. "It's an honor to race in Point Pleasant Beach."

That's why the race teams are returning to the borough for the Offshore Grand Prix, scheduled for June 9-11.

The boats will be staged at the Point Pleasant Beach train station parking lot on Arnold Avenue, and the three-day event begins with that area, known as the Pit Area, opening for racers.

On Saturday, June 10, the Pit Area will be open to the public to see the boats up close. There will be official race T-shirts for sale by the Point Pleasant Beach Rotary, with the funds raised going to Harvey's Closet, a thrift shop at Harvey United Methodist Church that offers gently used clothing at very reasonable prices, and has provided clothing free to people in emergency situations.

Saturday's festivities finish with a parade of the boats from Arnold Avenue east to Ocean Avenue and north on Ocean Avenue to Inlet Drive. The parade of boats begins at 5 p.m.

Race Day is Sunday, June 11. Spectators can watch the teams launch from Channel Drive at the Port of Point Pleasant, where boats will be lowered into the water by crane, or at Deep Creek Cove Marina in Manasquan, for boats launching without crane assistance.

Spectators can line Manasquan Inlet to watch as the boats go out through the inlet to the ocean.

Once in the ocean, the boats can be watched from the Point Pleasant Beach boardwalk as they cover the 4-mile course from in front of Jenkinson's to Bay Head and back. There are two races, with the first slated for a noon start. The return leg from Bay Head will be close enough to the beach for spectators to see the boats, organizers said.

There are two races, with the first slated for a noon start. More information on the schedule can be found on the Offshore Powerboat Association website , the sanctioning body for the race. The New Jersey Offshore Powerboat Racing Association is producing and organizing the event.

The races, which still draw thousands of fans, provide "a vital infusion" to the economy of Point Pleasant Beach during the slower weeks between Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, Point Pleasant Beach Mayor Paul Kanitra said. "It's a vital, vital time."

Kanitra, whose grandparents owned the Harbor Lights Motor Lodge when he was growing up, said he remembers how much they looked forward to hosting the races and the teams every year.

"I am proud to keep this legacy and vital event alive," he said. "NJOPRA runs everything with a strong focus on details and each year we have watched it grow larger."

Bill Curtis, mayor of Bay Head where the critical first turn of the race is made — racers must maintain their lane until they are through Turn One, and cannot pass another boat until then — said the annual return of the grand prix is a welcome sight.

"It's tremendous for Point Pleasant Beach and the Jersey coast," Curtis said.

Schleuss said the hospitality that's been shown to the racers has been a big draw all these years, dating back to the days when the race was named Benihana by Rocky Aoki, the owner of the famed hibachi restaurants who founded the race in the mid-197os.

But just as important, he said, are the features of the ocean off Point Pleasant Beach.

"It's really good, competitive water," Schleuss said, explaining that the ocean swells are typically 3 to 4 feet, "ideal for a good, rough race" that allows the race teams to show off their skills handling the boats as they speed along at anywhere from 60 to 100 mph, depending on the race.

Schleuss, of Edison, who ran in 300 races and won eight Offshore World Championships before retiring, said that while some of the races have some prize money attached to them, many do not and are primarily for bragging rights and about the camaraderie of the racing community.

"Most of us racing have the same missing screw," he said with a laugh. The races were like family reunions, with everyone hanging out together as one big happy group until they got on the water, when the competitive streaks dominate.

It's not a cheap pursuit, either; the boats can cost anywhere from $100,000 to $1 million, and that's before you get into the costs of fuel, maintenance and travel, it adds up in a hurry, Schleuss said, adding that most are fortunate enough to have families who support their passion for the sport.

Schleuss said that's typically why there are teams that compete, to share the expenses. He said he had different partners with him over the 25 years he raced, with some in it 50-50, and others who could afford it carrying a higher percentage of the costs.

Part of the reason he retired was because of the costs, he said, but also to spend more time with his family that didn't tie up all of their vacation time with racing.

Making the transition from the adrenaline rush of racing to being a spectator has had its positives.

"I don't have to worry about going to bed early (the night before a race)," Schleuss said, "and I can have a beer while I'm at the bar."

Competitors running in the races must register a zero on a Breathalyzer on race morning or they are barred from competing, he said.

There are other safety measures for the races including a rescue diver who will be in a helicopter over the race course ready at a moment's notice; support from the U.S. Coast Guard, New Jersey State Marine Police, volunteer first aid squads, dive teams and fire departments, all ready if there is a serious incident.

Each team consists of a driver, whose sole responsibility is steering, and a throttle person, who determines the speed, Schleuss said. There are speed limits on races, with some that go up to 100 mph; Schleuss said Typhoon raced in the 75 mph class.

"It's very fast," he acknowledged. Schleuss said he always got nervous the morning of a race, even after having run so many times, because there is an element of danger; a racer was killed in a crash during the 2017 event.

"That feeling of danger fades once the race starts," he said.

While he won't be on the water this year — Schleuss said the physical demands of the race are more than he can comfortably tolerate now — he will be soaking in the scene, seeing old friends and enjoying the atmosphere.

Race officials and Point Pleasant Beach officials and businesses hope spectators will as well.

For those unable to attend or who want a different perspective on the race, officials said it is expected to be televised on Motorsport.tv .

The article Offshore Grand Prix Revving Up For 2023 Point Pleasant Beach Race appeared first on Point Pleasant Patch .

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We’re going to need a faster boat! Point Pleasant Beach, NJ Offshore Grand Prix hits the water this month!

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You heard it here first back on May 22 when Point Pleasant Beach Mayor Paul Kanitra announced the 2022 edition of the Point Pleasant Beach Offshore Grand Prix would be taking place in the borough June 10-12, while Mayor Kanitra was a guest on 'Shore Time with Vin and Dave' on 94.3 The Point and 105.7 The Hawk.

It's time to rev up those engines and take off as a press conference in the borough this week announced that the Point Pleasant Beach Offshore Grand Prix put on by the New Jersey Offshore Powerboat Racing Association and sponsored by 'Jersey Mike's Subs', and varying events, will take place next weekend!

Point Pleasant Beach Mayor Paul Kanitra explains that this event in June will also provide a boost to the local economy.

"The race being positioned in early June is a huge boon for our local economy, it's very important to us and we're just looking forward to welcoming back the entire east coast and telling them that Point Pleasant Beach is open for business," Kanitra said at the press conference.

There is a weekend full of events leading up to and including the big fleets of races as well, but on race day, there's a special kind of adrenaline that runs through your veins as a spectator and a racer.

"These engines are loud, you can hear them from all over the town and all over the neighboring towns when they're going down -- it's just an adrenaline packed event, it's everything we're looking for in Point Pleasant Beach in terms of family-friendly atmosphere," Kanitra said.

For Kyle Miller and Jason Wohltman with Speed Marine LLC, located in Brick Township, whose team won the race last year, admit the waters were a little rough on their way to victory -- at least early on.

"Very, very rough -- it took us a little bit to catch onto it, we came into the setup and then I'd say we pretty much just ran away with it," Miller told Townsquare Media News prior to the press conference.

"After about Lap-3, we got out in front and just kept on going from there," Wohltman told Townsquare Media News.

For Speed Marine, Miller said that the boat they raced is called a ' Prostock V ' that does speeds of between 75-80 mph.

"We're in a phantom -- we do all the rigging and everything else in house on engines and stuff like that," Miller said. "There's phantoms, extremes -- an activator as well out there."

Following a success at the 2021 Point Pleasant Beach Offshore Grand Prix where they won, Miller and Wohltman are looking forward to getting back out there next weekend and racing even with a little bit of pressure as well racing in front of the home crowd.

"We try our best, we really do, we try our best," Wohltman said.

"That's probably the best way to put it, I mean, we have even more stress here than when we go to Florida or one of those far races just because everybody we know is standing on that beach," Miller said.

They are both also hoping to provide a boost to their business at Speed Marine by performing well next weekend.

"We got a local business -- we have a performance marine shop right around the bend so nothing to push the business like winning another race here," Miller said. "We do full custom rigging and custom set-ups, anything you need done."

"General maintenance, anything in a performance boat, really," Wohltman said.

For Randy "Mad Dog" Schleuss, owner and throttle-man with Typhoon Racing, he's looking forward to being out there with his team in their 24th year participating in the Point Pleasant Beach Offshore Grand Prix.

"Last year we had a good run, a good start, unfortunately I went off a wave bad and got hurt so I had to pull in early but other than that the water was great, the venue is fantastic," Schleuss told Townsquare Media News.

It is a great thrill for Schleuss and others to be able to ride in, drive, and be a throttle-man in one of these boats on race day.

"Our top speeds -- probably in the 90 mph range, that would be in calm water, rough water -- probably in the mid 80's, give or take, so, all depending on the conditions," Schluess said. "It's a lot of fun, you get beat up, but it's like being in a boxing match, I guess, you just get beat right/left/up/down and bouncing all over, so when you get out, you're pretty sore."

The competitive nature of the racers then sets in along with racing in front of thousands of fans on the beach.

"That's the best part, that's why we all do it, it's that excitement," Schleuss said. "We really enjoy going out there -- you wake up in the morning, you really don't sleep good the night before, you get up early in the morning, you're too tired to eat or anything, you go to those drivers meetings, we have to do physicals and everything else, you get ready -- before you know it, you got a yellow flag in the pit area -- once they start up those motors, you get goosebumps up and down your back and everything and everyone's so excited."

There is a weekend full of events leading up to the big race day.

On Friday, you can head to the 'Pit Area' in the Point Pleasant Beach Train Station parking lot on Arnold Avenue and then to the "Meet the Racers" block party from 4:00 to 8:00 pm that will run from Arnold Avenue at Route 35 South to the Elks Lodge and see all the race boats, enjoy some music, check out some sidewalk sales and more.

On Saturday, the Pit Area will open up again and you can see the boats up close as well and the local Rotary will be selling official race t-shirts and programs with proceeds going to the "Little by Little Foundation" and then there will be a parade of boats from Arnold Avenue heading north to Ocean Avenue and ending on Broadway starting up at 5:00 pm.

On Sunday, Race Day, the first race begins at 12:00 pm and the second race begins at 2:00 pm and racers and all are invited to head to the Winner's Circle at the Wharfside Seafood and Patio Bar.

Here's a look from what these boats can do from the 2021 press conference event.

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Offshore powerboat association releases 2023 schedule.

Offshore Powerboat Association has released its 2023 schedule that includes nine stops starting with the LOTO Powerfest in Lake of the Ozarks, Mo., in June.

The June 1-3 race in Lake of the Ozarks has formerly Lake Race and will be held at Shady Gators and Camden on the Lake at the 7-mile marker. The offshore tour heads to Point Pleasant Beach in New Jersey for the Point Pleasant Beach Grand Prix (June 9-11) and then to Eastlake, Ohio, for the Eastlake Grand Prix (July 14-16).

Two weeks later, the boats head to St. Clair, Mich., for the St. Clair Classic (July 28-30). OPA’s August races include the Great Lakes Grand Prix in Michigan City, Ind. (August 3-6) and the Ocean City Grand Prix in Maryland (August 18-20)

Leading up to the Offshore Powerboat Association National Championships at the Pompano Beach Powerfest in Pompano Beach, Fla., on October 6-8, is the Crystal Coast Grand Prix in Morehead, South Carolina (September 8-10).

The OPA World Championships are slated for November 16-19 in Englewood, Florida, at the Englewood Beach Waterfest.

OPA classes include Super Cat, Factory Stock, Super Stock, Vee Extreme, Modified Vee, Stock Vee and various bracket racing classes.

The 2023 schedule is available at www.oparacing.com

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Photo Essay: Point Pleasant Beach Goes Sporty-Plus

You could make a strong case for New Jersey as the true cradle of offshore racing civilization. Competition there goes back five-plus decades. Cigarette Racing Team founder/owner Don Aronow hailed from the Garden State. The historic Point Pleasant Beach venue in particular is notorious for rough water—think of it as a New Jersey version of Cocoa Beach, Fla., only a bit sportier.

On its way to a Stock V win, Speed Marine logged a little air time off Point Pleasant Beach. Photos by Tim Sharkey copyright Sharkey Images .

And for last weekend’s Offshore Powerboat Association Point Pleasant Beach Grand Prix, the storied race-site more than lived up to its legacy for the teams that chose to tackle it.

Among those teams was Wicked , a new Super Cat-class outfit led by offshore racing veteran Jay Muller. The pre-season plan had Muller’s sons, 20-year-old Chase and 18-year-old Jax, manning the cockpit of the teams 40-foot Motion catamaran. The Muller boys did run together in their Chug It raceboat in the Bracket 700 class, but for the solo-boat Super Cat contest Chase Muller drove alongside his father, one of the sport’s most accomplished throttlemen.

Thanks to the Race 4 Charities.org team, photographer Tim Sharkey captured what could end up being the roughest offshore race of the 2022 season.

“The boat ran awesome,” said Jay Muller. “Chase didn’t have much test time but did a fantastic job and we had a blast.

“He said the Motion cat felt like a Cadillac compared to his Class 700 boat,” Muller added, then laughed.

Thanks to the Bracket 300-class Race 4 Charities.org team, photographer Tim Sharkey was in the air via helicopter and firing away at the raceboats tackling the sporty-plus Atlantic Ocean water. In addition to Wicked , teams that ran uncontested included Knucklehead Racing in Vee Extreme class, the Bracket 100-class Bounty Hunter team and Race 4 Charites .org, while in the two-team Bracket 500 battle Shoreline Plumbing bested Mean Streak for the win.

Enjoy more images from the 2022 Point Pleasant Beach Grand Prix.

In Stock V, Speed Marine took the checkered flag followed by Laticrete/Nobody’s Business and Typhoon . Apache Predator finished ahead of Full Send and Control Freak in Bracket 400, while Moderation finished ahead of Rum Runners and Smith Brothers in Bracket 600. As the class with the smallest boats, Bracket 700 took the biggest beating with Goofin’ Around claiming first place (as noted above) followed by Team Progression and Aquaholic .

But the real battle was between the high-flying teams and the conditions.

“It was four to five feet with the occasional six-footer, big holes and sloppy chop with Southeast winds that started gusting over 20 mph,” said Sharkey. “It made for some great racing.”

Chase Muller ran his first Super Cat race in Wicked, a 40-foot Motion catamaran owned and throttled by his father.

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The History of OPA Racing

There is probably no single race more famous than The Benihana Offshore Grand Prix. This race was known as the Indy 500 of Offshore Racing and was held in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ, during the 1970's. The New Jersey Offshore Powerboat Racing Association has been the host club since racing started in Point Pleasant Beach some 40+ years ago. NJ Offshore (NJOPRA) is still a very active club with over 100 members and has kept the tradition of Offshore Racing alive on the Jersey Shore for all those years.

Over the years, the name of the Point Pleasant Beach race has been changed each time a new sponsor was obtained. It's been called: The Hennessey Offshore Grand Prix, The Benihana Offshore Grand Prix, The Ray Catena Offshore Grand Prix, The New Jersey Offshore Grand Prix, The War at the Shore, the Jenkinson's Offshore Grand Prix and the year of 2005 it was called The Jersey Boyz Offshore Grand Prix.

During the years, the race course has gotten smaller and shorter. In the Benihana days, the race was over 200 miles long running laps from NY's Fire Island to Seaside Heights NJ. One lap was about 80 miles. For the spectators, and there were many, the boats came by once an hour and only three or four times depending upon the race course configurations. Today the racecourse is a small 4 mile oval as close to the beach as possible. Since the beach drops off quickly, the boats usually run within 150 feet of the surf. Even the outside leg can be clearly seen from the shoreline.

The NJ race has also seen its share of sanction flags. Originally, the race was the premier APBA National Offshore Race. This race ran on the third Wednesday of the month of July like clockwork. People would book their vacations around race week, as it was always a source of excitement. Back in 1975 a fast boat in NJ was a 21' Searay with a 188 Merc I/O. So when the big boats came to town, it was quite a show.

Ed "Smitty" Smith has taken over the reigns at OPA for 14 years (OPA started in 2002) and is working on making offshore great again!   OPA Racing welcomes racers from all over the world to come and race in 1 of their 15 classes.

​​ Hail to the Chief

"Smitty" was born and raised in Nutley, NJ. Moved to the Jersey Shore in 1987 and purchased his first boat. For 25 years he took his family to vacation in Key West - hoping that they wouldn't catch on that SBI held their World Championship races there. In 1990 he was introduced to Scot Blue, the Director of MONOC and began volunteering as a safety boat for the races.

Always threatening to "someday" own his own race boat. He worked out of a pick up truck picking up piece work at Ocean Beach Marina doing fiberglass work. Soon after, began working for the Truesdales at the marina now known as Forge Landing Marina. In 1990, he took over the service department and Smitty's Marine came to be.

Over the course of fifteen years, Smitty paid an annual visit to a man known as "old man Kurt". He was the owner of the 33' Viper known as the Mary K. The Mary K raced many legendary Benihana races over the years. Never winning a single race. Smitty would make him an offer every year in hopes to one day buy that boat.

The Viper was one of three made. For shortly after production began there was a fire at the plant and the mold was ruined - never to be produced again.

In 1997, Old Man Kurt could no longer handle the boat. His arthritic knees and failing body would not allow for him to climb in and out of that old boat. So when Smitty came a knocking for his annual visit he was all too surprised when Old Man Kurt said "take It".

The Mary K was transformed into the purple and yellow dinosaur very well known as "WAZZUP". The P Class favorite. This father and son team took offshore racing by surprise.

Anthony was awarded Throttle Man of the Year by his peers in 2002. They won World Championship status 3 out of 4 years of racing. Smitty has been voted President of OPA and has launched offshore racing into a world of it's own. This will be the last season for the purple and yellow favorite, but stay tuned for what's ahead.

CONGRATULATIONS to Team WAZZUP for putting the Production Classes on the map and for making history!

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Offshore powerboat race canceled in point beach amid smoke issues, travel delays and unhealthy air quality led the race organizers to cancel; a rescheduling is possible, they said..

Karen Wall , Patch Staff

POINT PLEASANT BEACH, NJ — The Point Pleasant Beach Offshore Grand Prix has been canceled this weekend due to the effects of the smoke from the Canadian wildfires.

The cancellation of the offshore powerboat race weekend was announced by the Offshore Powerboat Association , which said it was making the decision because of a multitude of issues caused by the smoke.

"The developing situation with smoke, visibility, travel delays and air quality alerts due to the Canadian wildfires has caused significant problems along the East Coast, specifically for the event and town, all of which are outside of OPA’s control," the announcement said. "Safety for our teams and fans are number one and when we’re this close to a great event start this decision hurts."

Find out what's happening in Point Pleasant with free, real-time updates from Patch.

Point Pleasant Beach Mayor Paul Kanitra said he was saddened that the race was being canceled.

"I understand that safety for the racers must come first," Kanitra said.

"Obviously, there was a major tragedy a few years ago that highlighted the risks the competitors take," he said, referring to a crash during the race in 2017 that killed a racer from Ocean County.

"As a result of these massive wildfires and accompanying smoke, my understanding is that the helicopters were not going to have the guaranteed visibility needed to ensure safe operation and response times," Kanitra said.

OPA officials said there is still an opportunity to reschedule the race but did not provide any details of when that might happen.

"I sincerely hope it can be rescheduled and will offer all available resources from Town Hall to OPA in order to try and get that done," Kanitra said.

The race festivities were set to begin Friday with the racers arriving, and the schedule included a full day of viewing the boats on Saturday, with the races on Sunday.

"We’d like to thank NJ Offshore for their unrelenting support, and tireless work in conjunction with the borough of Point Pleasant Beach," the statement said.

The National Weather Service said the smoke is anticipated to linger through the weekend, with unhealthy Air Quality Index levels, and may not clear completely until Friday or Saturday.

Note: This article has been updated with comment from Point Pleasant Beach Mayor Paul Kanitra.

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Powerboat P1 has today announced its P1 Offshore race calendar for the 2024 season, which sees the series heading to Wisconsin again and returning to favorite venues in Florida. The Sarasota and St. Petersburg grand prix events on Florida’s Gulf Coast move away from their traditional dates around the Independence Day and Labor Day vacations respectively and will provide an exhilarating climax to the season in September and October.

Cocoa Beach on the Space Coast will again host the season opener in mid-May with a weekend of ‘fast boats and cold drinks.’ Thunder On Cocoa Beach will be celebrating its 15th anniversary of staging this event and its Executive Director, Kerry Bartlett will be unveiling special plans to mark this milestone.

In August, racing will return to Sheboygan on the western shore of Lake Michigan for a second year. Sheboygan Area Tourism Zone reported that last season’s inaugural Mercury Racing Midwest Challenge delivered an economic impact of $4.7 million with more than 40,000 attending the three-day festival, and this year’s event in August will be open to all offshore classes. Mayor Ryan Sorenson said: “I am thrilled to welcome back this exhilarating event to the Malibu of the Midwest. It not only showcases our City’s stunning waterfront but also brings together the community in celebration of speed, skill and the thrill of competition. This sense of excitement and unity contributes to the vibrancy of Sheboygan.” City Administrator Casey Bradley added: “This event not only brings a surge of energy to our City but also underscores our commitment to hosting world class events. We appreciate the partnership with Powerboat P1 and Mercury Racing, and we eagerly anticipate the positive impact the race event will have on our local economy and community spirit.”

Another event milestone will be celebrated in September with the 40th anniversary of the Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix, making it the second longest-running powerboat festival in the United States. For decades the racing has been a unique, prestigious event that brings significant value to the county. Local media reports that it generates millions of dollars in economic impact every year with up to 16,000 room nights, and P1’s national and international television deals showcase the city’s many attractions to an audience of more than 200 million homes. Pete Harvey, Director of Sports at Visit Sarasota County commented: “The Grand Prix draws enthusiastic crowds, capturing the attention of visitors and residents alike. It attracts a diverse range of attendees which generates a sizeable surge in tourism and spending.”

Our goal is to have a fleet of 12 Class 1 boats by 2025. We want to grow the world championship commercially and promote the series both in the United States and internationally to deliver enhanced value for race teams, host venues, sponsors and partners. Azam Rangoonwala Powerboat P1, CEO

The season finale will see the race teams head along the Gulf Coast to St. Petersburg for the Monster Energy St. Pete Grand Prix. Now in its fourth year, the event has quickly become a favorite venue will the racers and it will see the APBA national champions crowned in October. “We’re excited to see one of America’s best waterfront locations selected to host the Powerboat P1 grand prix event,” commented Visit St. Pete/Clearwater President/CEO Brian Lowack. “We love the opportunity to show off the spectacular downtown St. Pete waterfront and award-winning St. Pete Pier as spectators come from near and far to our beautiful destination or tune in on TV around the globe to see some of the most exciting action on water.”

Dave Gowland of Monster Energy said: “We love all forms of racing at Monster Energy and entering the UIM Class 1 World Championship and APBA National Championship, as well as the P1 AquaX National Championship, in 2023 genuinely thrilled us with the sport’s amazing and vibrant mix of racing, competition and amazing fan attention, interaction and enthusiasm. We’re thrilled to title sponsor the final round of the national championship.”

Seven teams are expected to compete in this season’s UIM Class 1 World Championship and races will be staged at the P1 Offshore events. Powerboat P1’s aim is to attract more teams and build the worldwide television audience to return Class 1 to the summit of the sport. “Our goal is to have a fleet of 12 boats by 2025” said P1 CEO Azam Rangoonwala. “We want to grow the world championship commercially and promote the series both in the United States and internationally to deliver enhanced value for race teams, host venues, sponsors and partners.”

“The 2023 offshore season was one of great change and growth” explains Rangoonwala. “This season we will seek further growth by focusing on attracting more competitors, particularly young racers, improving the fan experience, continuing to build our social media audience and broadening the international reach of our TV broadcast deals. Having celebrated our 20th anniversary last year, Powerboat P1 is embarking on its third decade as a promoter and we will continue to design our race events to encourage tourism and enhance the profile of the host venues. Partnerships are at the heart of our business and over the coming months we will be announcing new agreements as well as the renewal of existing sponsorships.”

For more information on this release:

Roy Mantle Powerboat P1 Management Ltd t: +44 (0)207 935 4977 e: [email protected]

Photo credits:

MCON Monster Energy race boat at Cocoa Beach, credit: David Lando DF Young team in race action at Sheboygan, credit: Ronny Mac Racing off the iconic St. Pete Pier, credit: Ronny Mac Class 1 Boats racing at the Sarsota Grand Prix off Lido Beach Pete Boden Drone Shot of the pit Area by the Van Wezel, Sarasota: credit: David Lando

P1 Offshore in brief

This increasingly important brand within the P1 family encompasses the APBA offshore national championship series, with P1 having been granted by the APBA exclusive rights to film and distribute its offshore events. P1 produces a one-hour television highlights show, featuring Class 1 racing and other APBA classes, broadcast in the United States and internationally. P1 coverage includes live streaming on its Facebook page.

P1Offshore.com

Class 1 in brief

Class 1 is the premier class of offshore powerboat racing in the world and is considered to be one of the most spectacular marine motorsports. A Class 1 race boat has twin inboard 1100HP engines and can reach speed in excess of 160mph. All boats are limited by a minimum weight of 4,950kg.

Class1World.com