Great Lakes Super Boat Grand Prix

By Robby Bearss

Michigan City plays host for the fourth time to one of the most exciting events held on water! From July 31 to August 5 over 100,000 spectators will be filling the streets of Michigan City to take part in what has become one of the most successful events in the history of Michigan City. The Fourth Annual Great Lakes Grand Prix is one of the seven places where the Super Boat International tour stops to race. The Michigan City stop is also unique in that it is one of the few locations that takes place in fresh water. Some of the other spots on the tour include Miami Beach, Key West, and Clearwater.

Boats and More
In 2009 the Super Boat International rolled into Michigan City for the first time. The  premier event was  greeted by more than 80,000 spectators, making it one of the most successful first-year events in the tour’s history. They had ten times more people than either race or city officials expected and each year the event has grown steadily and has brought in more than seven million dollars into the community. Michigan City has done an amazing job hosting this event by providing the best environment possible for the spectators. Spectators will never get bored during this event because there is always something going on. Not only do they have exciting racing but they even let you have the chance to go inside the boats and feel what it is like to sit in the cockpit of one of these powerful machines. The fun doesn’t stop there. Between the great local foods, block parties, and live entertainment at night there is something for everyone.

A Race with Staying Power
Super Boat International was founded by John Carbonell in 1989. With over 35 years of experience as a powerboat event promoter, Mr. Carbonell has attracted some of the most competitive and talented offshore race teams in the sport. These races tour around the country with seven big market stops. These events have even attracted a few celebrity racers such as Chuck Norris, Bruce Jenner, Don Johnson, and Kurt Russell. These boats have power you can not only see but feel as they fly across the water. This exciting sport continues to grow each year and for good reason. The Super Boat International is the first and still the longest standing race organization in America.

All the Thunder—None of the Rain
The race takes place on a rectangular shaped race course that spans more than six miles. The boats have as much horsepower as a jet engine and reach speeds up to 200 mph. It is no wonder that more than 20 million fans have shown up to these events in the past three years and each year the events are becoming more and more popular. On July 31 over 30 different boats will touch the water and begin tuning up for the races. This tour hosts several different types of racing boats to keep the action constantly going. The Great Lakes Grand Prix is a very special event that takes place on The Beach Coast and is a must see for all ages. Come enjoy the thunder on the lake!

For More Information
www.michigancitysuperboat.com
Email: jason@michigancitylaporte.com
(219)872-5055

Robby Bearss is from a small town in Indiana called Wakarusa. Currently he is a junior at Ball State University. He is majoring in Telecommunications and pursuing a minor in Creative Writing.