PHOTO COURTESY OF FORMULA 1 POWERBOAT RACING
Formula 1 Powerboat racing announced it is coming to Alton, Illinois on the Mississippi River with a multi-day event June 21-23, 2024, featuring Formula 1 Powerboats, Tunnel Boats and Tri-Hulls.
The event will feature a series of six to eight races on the Alton riverfront, and is expected to draw 20,000 or more spectators, bringing an economic impact to the region of over $2.5 million.
“This is a terrific addition to the sporting events the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau has been able to attract over the last three years,” says Cory Jobe, resident and CEO of the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau. “We want to thank the City of Alton for approving this event and we are looking forward to enjoying a weekend of powerboat racing and community fun along the city’s riverfront.”
“On behalf of the Formula 1 Powerboat Championship, we are very excited to bring Formula 1 powerboat racing back to Alton,” adds Tim Seebold, managing director of Formula 1 Powerboat Championship. “It will be fantastic returning to the Mississippi River in downtown Alton Illinois showcasing our world class Formula 1 drivers and their technologically advanced powerboats in conjunction with the Midwest Nationals.”
The competition will begin with a 20-plus boat field lined on the start pontoon with their engines silent. At the drop of the green flag, drivers ignite their engines, creating rooster tailed water over 150-feet high as they accelerate to the first turn on a tight course made up of a combination of right and left hand hairpin turns with various straightaways providing deck to deck action in front of fans.
“Our family friendly events have an open pit area for the fans to meet the drivers and marvel at the machines they drive,” Seebold explains. “Alton holds a special place in my heart with its rich powerboat racing history. Our family began racing on the Mississippi River starting with my grandfather back in 1939 and has continued with my father, older brother, and myself. Growing up in the greater metropolitan St. Louis area strengthened mine, like many St. Louis area fans F1 Powerboat racing enthusiasm as we all attended the St. Louis Grand Prix races for over 38 years. It has been fantastic to bring powerboat racing back to the area with all the local support. I know this will be a monumental event for everyone involved.”
More details will be announced closer to the event. To learn more, visit f1powerboatchampionship.com.
