Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix returns this weekend

The 40th Annual Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix, presented by Visit Sarasota County, returns Sept. 13-15 at Lido Beach. 

Kicking off with the weekend is a pit party featuring Nashville country artist Andy Velo, on Friday from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall parking lot at 77 N. Tamiami Trail.

That will be followed by two days of racing as more than 50 race teams compete in the 2024 APBA National and UIM World Championships. 

The Sarasota Powerboat P1 is the second longest-running powerboat race in the country. Net proceeds raised will benefit the P1 Marine Foundation, which raises awareness of threats to oceans, supports research and provides scholarships in the field of marine conservation. 

This year, the P1 Marine Foundation will make a donation to Mote Marine’s STEM education program, which provides hands-on marine science education for students.

Opening ceremonies will be Saturday at 11 a.m. at Lido Beach followed by racing until 4 p.m. Racing on Sunday will be from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with awards ceremony from 5 to 6 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, the awards ceremony will be held at the Bayfront Community Center at 803 N. Tamiami Trail. 

On-site parking is limited and alternative parking is available at the St. Armands Garage, the Palm Avenue and State Street garages in downtown and at the Van Wezel parking lot.