The City of La Porte will be hosting 3 days of the world’s fastest tunnel boat racing on Stone Lake again for the 4th year in a row at the Maple City Grand Prix. This year’s Grand Prix will once again kick off the USF1 series as the season opening race.
Watch in awe as some of the most powerful engines in Powerboat Racing gather together for a weekend of jaw dropping performances in the USF1 series opener. These amazing and powerful boats can reach speeds of over 140 mph with 180 degree turning capabilities. There will be around 45 teams participating during the Grand Prix weekend, including the Junior Hydroplanes team which includes drivers as young as 9 years old.
Bring the whole family and cheer on these brave and skilled drivers as they take their boats from 0 to 100 in 6 seconds across the waters of Stone Lake. Along with the world’s fastest tunnel boat racing, the event offers even more fun for the whole family including a block party, food and beer garden, boat parade, live music, and a firework show.
Here’s a quick look at the events planned for the weekend.
Friday, June 3:
The festivities begin 11:00 AM with multiple testing times throughout the day. Limited parking and shuttle will be offered on this day for spectators to get a glimpse of what these boats can do.
At 6:00 pm, the party gets started with the annual Downtown Block Party, featuring live music from Point’n Fingers and the Boat Parade at 6:15 pm.
Saturday, June 4:
Opening Ceremonies for boat racing begins at 11:45 am with racing and qualifying continuing throughout the day, and an autograph session for fans to meet their favorite drivers from 2:30-3:00. In the evening, there will be live music by Elwood Splinters, & Junior and The Igniters starting at 5:00 pm.
The day will end with a spectacular firework show by Melrose Pyrotechnics at dusk (approximately 9:00 pm).
Sunday, June 5:
The action kicks into full gear on Sunday with the Maple City Grand Prix finals, beginning with the Opening Ceremonies at 12:00 pm, followed by the Formula Lights racing at 2:00, and will conclude that evening with an Awards Ceremony at 4:45 pm.
The food and beer garden will be open daily on June 4 and 5 at 10:00 am.
For a full detailed schedule of all boat racing events and times including driver and crew meetings, registration, testing times and the racing schedule for each day, please see here. http://www.maplecitygrandprix.com/eventschedule
Parking and Shuttle Information:
Parking will be located at Lions Field and Riley Elementary School for $5 per card load from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm on Saturday and 9:00 to 5:00 pm on Sunday. The event will be providing free shuttle service during those times, running a continuous loop from the parking lots to the race site and back again.
Hotel and Lodging Information:
Coming from out of town and need a place to stay? Enjoy the festivities all weekend long and end each day with a comfortable place to lay your head at one of the many fine lodging establishments in Michigan City La Porte. Learn more here. http://www.maplecitygrandprix.com/node/43
For all the latest information, check out the official Maple City Grand Prix website, or follow the race on Facebook.