The Texas Outlaw Challenge—the largest event in the Texas marine community and one of the biggest boating events in the world—continues to stay on the schedule for 2020, and organizers are gearing up for what may well become its most successful entry to date, come June 24-28.
In addition to bringing together the powerboating community, the event is also responsible for helping numerous small businesses in the area to enjoy their biggest revenues during the Outlaw weekend each year. The 2020 Challenge is poised to play a huge role in the area’s economic rebound, as well as fulfilling much-needed charity goals. According to organizer Paul Robinson, this year’s Challenge will feature a couple of major changes. The previously announced “Return of the Champions” theme has been rescheduled for the 2021 event. Robinson said the decision was based on the use of many essential emergency services, including onsite ambulances and multiple law enforcement agencies, that would be needed to pull it off successfully. “We elected to leave the availability of these services for community health related needs,” he said.
Also, because charities are in heightened need this year, a new theme has been developed: “Tribute to Tickfaw.” In the wake of the 2020 Tickfaw 200’s cancellation, none of the local Tickfaw charity recipients were able to be funded.
“We are going to dedicate our fundraising activities to also include a donation to the charity goals of Joey Fontenot and Casey Harrison in support of their great event and their community,” Robinson said. “We all love the Tickfaw 200, and Joey and Casey are two of the most sincere and humble guys on the circuit. Texas is going to step up and do what Tickfaw would do for us, given the same situation.”
Funding activities will commence poolside at Kenny Armstrong’s Casa Party on Friday afternoon, and continue throughout the evening at our favorite boating destination, BARGE 295, where a huge new Pirate Party and tribute to Tickfaw will take place.
Finally, Robinson told Speedboat that he wants to help the industry by offering small companies in the marine industry—including boatbuilders and marine suppliers—the opportunity to sponsor the event at no charge.
“We’re offering complimentary sponsor invitations, so no fee for our marine industry small businesses if they’d like to advertise with the event. It’s our way of supporting the comeback health of our marine industry small businesses.”
This year’s Challenge will be prepared for all health concerns. “All of our activities are hosted at open air venues with plenty of space provided for our guests to exercise social distancing,” Robinson says. “Sanitizers and masks for all guests will be provided, and each captain—being responsible for his crew in any maritime situation—will be issued a no-touch thermal temperature gun. Yes, this year the Outlaws are swapping their six-shooters for infrared guns.”
Finally, in support of social distancing and no-contact requirements, registration will only be accepted through on-line pre-registration, which is open now. Please register by clicking here.