Hard Rock Race Team - Superboat Vee Unlimited - Currently World, National, and Florida Champions
For the 25th straight year, crowds plan to revel in the thrills of Sarasota’s annual Suncoast Super Boat Grand Prix Festival with a range of activities for all June 27 through July 5, 2009. The sugary sand of our beaches provides the perfect setting for the culminating Suncoast Super Boat Grand Prix Boat Race on Sunday, July 5 in the waters off Lido Beach (between New Pass and Big Pass.) Race teams from around the world refer to Sarasota as the “Indy 500 of Super Boat Racing” and what better way to catch that adrenaline rush of superboat speed than on a world-class beach?
The fun begins both on and off the water on Saturday, June 27 with a golf tournament at Heritage Oaks Golf and Country Club and the Festival Kickoff Party at the historic Sarasota Municipal Auditorium. A Car Show takes place on Sunday and then on Wednesday, July 1, a Capt. Keith Colburn Welcome Reception will be held in Lakewood Ranch. Capt. Keith Colburn of the fishing vessel Wizard is featured on Discovery Channel's number one television series "Deadliest Catch". Capt. Colburn will be available for autographs and photos with guests during this special welcome reception and at several other events throughout the Festival. On Thursday, July 2, "The Friendliest Catch" Fishing Tournament for the Physically & Mentally Challenged offers a day on the water for a very special group of folks.
A bonanza of activities lights up Thursday evening beginning with the Festival Parade of Boats down Main Street in Sarasota, the Sarasota Reds vs Tampa Yankees baseball game with Fireworks at Ed Smith Stadium, and a Downtown Block Party & Powerboats on Main Street until Midnight.
Friday is filled with fun from first light with the World Kilo Record Run starting at 7 am in Sarasota Bay and Powerboats by the Bay on display in Centennial Park. The boats are powerful, colorful and awe-inspiring. After the Motorcycle “Patriotic Souvenir Ride” in the morning, a People’s Choice Bike Show will provide land-bound power and beauty with motorcycles on display in the Van Wezel parking lot adjacent to Centennial Park. Enjoy great food, vendors, and live entertainment all afternoon.
Be sure not to miss “Meet & Greet Who’s In the Drivers Seat” in the Boathouse at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota. Guests can hunt autographs and photos with the participating race teams along with special giveaway items. Then walk on over and enjoy the World’s Largest Offshore Party at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota Ballroom from 8 pm to 1 am.
It’s the day before the big race day, Saturday, July 4, and Powerboats by the Bay continues with a big finish at dusk as the Bayfront Fireworks Spectacular shoots off into the night.
Throughout the week, watch for CBS television network onsite filming a one hour special to air on CBS Sports during their Saturday afternoon Fall schedule. The whole world hopes to be here!
Not enough excitement? Remember that all the cultural riches and attractions of Sarasota and her islands are right there as well for those moments of relaxation and rejuvenation. And while you sit back to enjoy life on our sunny side of the bay remember that since the first race 25 years ago, the Suncoast Super Boat Grand Prix Festival has raised over $14 million for facilities constructed for various local charities serving local children and families.
“Many Festival events remain free and family friendly,” says Festival Director Lucy Nicandri. “Race teams and generous sponsors return to support the Suncoast Grand Prix, one of the longest continuously running race sites in the world. The caliber of events produced throughout the entire Festival leading up to the race, has earned it a strong reputation. This year promises to be no different with something for everyone to enjoy both on and off the water!”
FESTIVAL INFORMATION: www.suncoastoffshore.org
