The Powerboat Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is set for Saturday, September 4, and Sunday, September 5. Nearly 35 vessels will compete on a 5.5 mile track just offshore from the St. Pete Pier.

These powerboats can go nearly 92mph around the circuit. Best yet, this event is free. Set up a chair along Vinoy Park and watch these machines do their thing. Jet-skis will also race on a smaller circuit during the weekend.

Festivities kick off on Friday September 3. A meet and greet is set for Vinoy Park beginning at 5pm, and a concert in the park will begin at 6pm.

Creating a Powerboat Grand Prix in the Sunshine City

“We began discussions for a national race event featuring a double bill of P1 powerboat racing and AquaX jet ski action in 2015, with plans to stage the two-day event near the iconic St. Pete pier,” said P1 CEO Azam Rangoonwala. “AquaX includes both professional and amateur classes of racing, which attracts riders from across the country. September’s event is part of the eight-venue APBA national race series which runs from May to October.”

Visit St. Pete/Clearwater is the presenting sponsor of the event. A custom designed “Visit St. Pete/Clearwater” powerboat will compete in the APBA Offshore Championship races with leading personal watercraft rider Tory Snyder racing on a VSPC painted jet ski. 

A Labor Day Weekend celebration in the ‘Burg

“We are thrilled to bring P1 Offshore and P1 AquaX racing to the St. Pete Pier for the Labor Day weekend. We’re extremely pleased with the partnership with Powerboat P1 over the past several years and look forward to building the St. Pete race weekend as a signature event for community,” said Visit St. Pete/Clearwater COO Tim Ramsberger.

Those interested in purchasing VIP passes for the event can do so online. You can find the full event schedule online.

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