Sheboygan, Wisconsin is making big, big waves in the high-speed sport and family entertainment arena!!
For the first time in history, two iconic powerboat racing series will come together on the same weekend (August 11th-13th) for their inaugural event as they showcase their ‘need for speed’ on the pristine waters of Lake Michigan.
International marine motorsport promoter Powerboat P1, the Formula One Championship Series, boasts over 600 races in 18 countries and 4 continents, spanning the last two decades. From their P1 Offshore brand (that was recently granted exclusive, worldwide rights to film and distribute its offshore events) to their JX Jetcross and Aquacross brands (think motocross on water), they strive to create a global marine motorsport platform. They not only encourage ‘play’ on the water, but preservation of the same. Their P1 Marine Foundation promotes the conservation, protection and improvement of marine and coastal environments, helping to safeguard our most valuable natural resources.
Mercury Racing (a division of Mercury Marine) is a Fond du Lac, Wisconsin-based marine products company that will celebrate 50 years of innovation and excitement this year. What started out with humble beginnings in a leased building in Oshkosh circa 1973 has become a name that’s synonymous with next-level precision and quality). As a cornerstone of powerboat racing, they remain dedicated to advancing the art and science of safety-minded performance on the water well into the future.
To have these two widely respected organizations join forces and hand-select Sheboygan, the Spirit of the Lake...the Malibu of the Midwest, as home to first ever Mercury Racing Midwest Challenge, is an honor that simply cannot be overstated. Being named ‘host’ of such an event is something that begs for a place in the annals of Sheboygan history.
“When we toured cities to host the event, Sheboygan stood out due to its beautiful water, lodging options, outdoor recreation space and a local government group that was eager to learn more about powerboat racing and host this one-of-a kind event. Our race support team and collection of marine products are featured around the world and now there’s going to be a powerboat race weekend in the Midwest, less than an hour from our corporate headquarters,” said Stuart Halley, General Manager of Mercury Racing.
Azam Rangoonwala, CEO of Powerboat P1 Management, said, “Mercury Racing has been a pillar of powerboat racing for half a century and Powerboat P1 is honored to be partnering with this world leader as the promoter of this unique celebration. The plan to bring together multiple classes of powerboat racing from around the world is an innovative concept and promises to deliver a memorable weekend of sport and entertainment.”
The Mercury Racing Midwest Challenge, a three-day event, will be held just a short drive north of Milwaukee on the western shores of Lake Michigan, the 2nd largest of the Great Lakes and the largest freshwater lake in the United States, with over 22,300 square surface miles of aesthetic splendor.
Showcasing more than 40 race teams, and competitors from around the globe, including Norway, Italy, Sweden, Canada and Australia, this celebration will feature some of the most prestigious powerboat racing known to man. Whether you’re a local, a tourist or just passing through, you’ll find this to be an affair like no other.
One of the coolest parts? You can spectate for free as long as you remember to order your ‘free ticket’ online, which will be accompanied by an event map and a full weekend agenda. If you want a little closer to the action, VIP packages are also available. For your investment, you’ll get access to the beachfront hospitality tent (free food, drinks and parking included), lounge seating and televisions that’ll live stream practices and race day activities.
From 6:00-10:00 on Friday night, the band “Past Curfew” will help to launch an action-packed weekend with a block party. Here, all speed seekers and adrenaline junkies can enjoy a brat, a beer and a bird’s eye view when they get up-close-and-personal with drivers, teams and their watercrafts.
Even if you’re a snailboater, you’re invited to enjoy all the smiles per gallon that you can manage. You can race into the action on Saturday and Sunday at South Pier with the following schedule:
Saturday
10:30am-11:00am: F1 – Testing and Qualifying
Watch the 160mph+ qualifying rounds on the F1 course near the Sheboygan Yacht Club.
11:00am-11:30am: Opening Ceremony. National Anthem and Color Guard at the official event stage at the end of South Pier Drive, near Blue Harbor Resort.
11:00am-6:00pm: Sheboygan Yacht Club Brat Fry.
Bring a blanket and chairs to enjoy nearby races on the F1 course while you refuel with brats and burgers (for cash only).
11:30am-12:30pm: F1 Races.
Heat 1 and 2. Located on the one-mile F1 course, near the Sheboygan Yacht Club.
12:30pm-1:30pm : Military Demonstration
Watch as a five-unit floating bridge system is assembled on the water along the shoreline behind Blue Harbor Resort.
1:30pm-2:30pm: Class 1 – Race 1 – 12 Laps.
Watch this challenge on the six-mile offshore racecourse located along Sheboygan’s South Beach, King Park, Kite Beach and South Shore.
2:30pm-3:30pm: F450R Race – 9 Laps.
Watch this challenge on the six-mile offshore racecourse located along Sheboygan South Beach, King Park, Kite Beach, and South Shore.
3:30pm-4:30pm: Superstock – Race 1 – 9 Laps.
Superstock powerboats race on the six-mile offshore racecourse along the Sheboygan South Beach, King Park, Kite Beach, and South Shore.
5:00pm-6:30pm: Meet and Greet.
Meet the legends of past F1 challenges and mingle with powerboat royalty. View the day’s winning powerboats and hobnob with their respective teams.
Sunday
10:30am-3:30pm:
Watch the powerboat races streamed to the jumbo screen at the official event stage located at the end of South Pier Drive, next to Blue Harbor Resort
10:30am-11:00am: F1 Race – Heat 3 – 6 Minutes +1 Lap
Watch near the Sheboygan Yacht Club on the one-mile F1 race course.
11:00am-6:00pm: Sheboygan Yacht Club Brat Fry
Bring a blanket and chairs to enjoy nearby races on the F1 course while you refuel with brats and burgers (for cash only).
11:00am-3:00pm: Driftwood Sunday Break Party
Take a break from the races and stop by Driftwood’s Sunday Break Party for a full cash bar, brat fry, and other cash concessions under the shade of the outdoor tent. The Flying Zebras band plays from noon to 3:00pm.
11:30am-12:3 pm: Superstock – Race 2 – 9 Laps
Superstock powerboats race on the six-mile offshore racecourse along the Sheboygan South Beach, King Park, Kite Beach, and South Shore.
12:30pm-1:30 pm: F450R Race – 9 Laps
Watch this challenge on the six-mile offshore racecourse located along Sheboygan’s South Beach, King Park, Kite Beach, and South Shore.
1:30pm-2:30pm: Class 1 – Race 2 – 14 Laps
Watch this challenge on the six-mile offshore racecourse located along Sheboygan South Beach, King Park, Kite Beach, and South Shore.
2:30pm-3:30pm: F1 – Finals – 17 Minutes +1 Lap
The best view for this final, one-mile race on the F1 racecourse is near the Sheboygan Yacht Club. Don’t miss this toe-to-toe aqua battle!!
6:00pm: Awards
Watch as the champions are crowed and then round out your weekend with a celebration at the official event stage, located at the end of South Pier Drive, next to Blue Harbor Resort.
If you’re unable to attend in person, you’ll be forgiven (eventually). And you can still watch from your recliner in the no wake zone since CBS Sports Network will broadcast the event internationally and Bally Sports Regional Networks will be broadcasting for viewers in the USA.
Gentlemen…start your engines.
Sheboygan…you gotta regatta. You’re about to make history.
* Aventuron will have extended hours Friday until 10pm & Saturday stop by our booth at South Pier - stop in for sunglass from Costa del Mar and Bajio, sun shirts from Simms, and browse our selection of fly fishing and outdoor gear.
