The 4th Annual Monster Energy St. Petersburg Powerboat P1 Grand Prix, presented by Visit St. Pete/Clearwater, promises exhilarating powerboat and jet ski racing the weekend of Oct. 18-20 at the downtown waterfront area and Pier District. This event is the climax of the entire P1 Offshore race season, during which championship titles will be awarded.

The weekend includes a Pit Party on Friday night at Albert Whitted Park from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. featuring vendors, food trucks, and powerboats on display with a chance for the public to meet and greet participating race teams. Then, on Saturday and Sunday, more than 50 powerboats reaching speeds up to 160 mph—as well as 30 AquaX jet-ski riders—will compete for the checkered flag. Admission is free to the public for the entire weekend.

Race fans wanting a premium spot to watch the races can purchase tickets to an elevated VIP Viewing experience at the end of the St. Pete Pier directly across from the Start/Finish Line. This year’s VIP viewing experience includes a livestream of all the racing action and complimentary food and beverages.

“The St. Pete-Clearwater destination is the home of major sporting events throughout the year, and we are proud to host this year’s championship race," said Craig Campbell, Director of Community & Brand Engagement for Visit St. Pete-Clearwater. "Visitors travel from near and far to experience the speed and thrill of the Grand Prix, all set against the backdrop of beautiful downtown St. Pete.” The new event dates allow the premiere championship race to stand out on the event calendar and avoid a conflict with Labor Day weekend, helping drive business to local retailers, hotels, and restaurants at America’s Best Beaches.

Powerboat P1’s national and international television coverage, which includes Bally Sports regional sports networks, will showcase the St. Petersburg area to a worldwide audience of more than 230 million households. MAV TV will also broadcast the Class 1 race live across their television network.

Net proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the P1 Marine Foundation. This year, the P1 Marine Foundation has partnered with two local charities, John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital and Tampa Bay Watch. Each will receive donations from the P1 Marine Foundation during the Race Awards Ceremony, closing out the weekend on Sunday, October 20.

St. Petersburg, FLA., is the fifth event in this year’s P1 Offshore series, following races in Cocoa Beach, FL, Lake of the Ozarks, MO, Sheboygan, WI, and Sarasota, FL. For more information, visit: P1offshore.com

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