After the pounding Atlantic swell of Cocoa Beach, P1 Offshore now moves to the more tranquil, shallower waters of the Gulf of Mexico. However, if you are expecting a less exciting race, think again.
Although the water at Sarasota looks calmer, there are often holes, or variations on the seabed, which create voids on the surface. These can cause unexpected flights or hits, so are difficult for drivers to anticipate. Compared to Cocoa Beach, Sarasota is a more technical course.
Cocoa Beach was long and narrow, running up and down the beach, with two 180 degree turns. Whilst Sarasota will have varying degrees of right turns and a leftward dogleg on the backward stretch.
The event, presented by Visit Sarasota County, will kick off on Friday 1 July 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 (local time). Attendees can enjoy live music and drinks and interact with the drivers in front of their race boats.
Virginia J. Haley, President of Visit Sarasota County said,
Sarasota is the second longest-running US powerboat race and for decades, the races have been a unique summer event that appeals to both locals and visitors. We recognise 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.
Racing will begin at Lido Beach on Saturday 2 July 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 (local time).
When Cole McGowan, Powerboat P1’s Director of Communications spoke to PRW he recognised that Sarasota’s longest running event generates millions of dollars in economic impact for the community annually.
As a Sarasota native, I realise the historic value this event brings to the community. We value the heritage and prestige of this event and are 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.
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 at the Lido Beach along with P1’s VIP hospitality suite, offering a catered lunch, open bar, lounge seating and televisions to enhance the race viewing experience.
Azam Rangoonwala, CEO of Powerboat P1 added
Sarasota is our biggest race of the year and we’re thrilled to be returning with Visit Sarasota County as our presenting partner. We have a powerful platform through our international television broadcasting to highlight this beautiful quintessential white-sand beach getaway to the world, and we want to encourage everyone to experience it.
