A new partnership has been established with OPA Racing (Offshore Powerboat Association) and Powerboat P1 joining together to create the APBA (American Power Boat Association) Offshore Championship at the 11th Annual Great Lakes Grand Prix. The 2019 race is scheduled for August 1-4 at the Washington Park lakefront in Michigan City, Indiana.
The announcement was made by Jack Arnett, executive director of the LaPorte County Convention & Visitors Bureau, along with Rick Wright, race director of the Great Lakes Grand Prix, at a dinner held in Michigan City in January. In attendance to share details were Ed “Smitty” Smith, president of OPA Racing, and Azam Rangoonwala, CEO of Powerboat P1.
The Grand Prix weekend will include powerboats and, for the first time, personal watercraft AquaX racing. The series will head to Michigan City for the third round of a five-venue championship.
—Article & photos by Paul Kemiel
Caption: (Left to right) Mike Dempsey, director of operations of Access LaPorte County; Jack Arnett, executive director of the LaPorte County Convention & Visitors Bureau; Michigan City Mayor Ron Meer; Ed “Smitty” Smith, president of OPA Racing; Azam Rangoonwala, CEO of Powerboat P1; Rick Wright, race director of Great Lakes Grand Prix Michigan City.
