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View Full Version : F1 Grand Prix set for return to La Porte



Serious News
03-25-2014, 08:43 AM
Published: Monday, March 24, 2014 5:05 PM CDT

The U.S. F1 Powerboat Tour is on its way back to La Porte for the 2nd annual Maple City Grand Prix.

Visit Michigan City La Porte and U.S. F1 announced the tunnel boat racing series will race again on Stone Lake in La Porte, the weekend of May 29 to June 1. The Grand Prix will kick off the U.S. F1 series, serving as the season opening race.

Last year’s inaugural event pumped more than $1 million into the La Porte economy through visitor spending, and drew visitors from all over the country. The event will once again feature VIP and meet the racers events, as well as a boat parade and downtown event in La Porte’s city center.

“I’m thrilled to welcome back the Formula One boat racers, crews and fans to La Porte for the kickoff of their 2014 season,” La Porte Mayor Blair Milo said. “The inaugural Maple City Grand Prix was a great weekend filled with exciting boat races, amazing capability amongst racers, crews and the boats, and most of all family fun that was available to everyone and the 2014 festivities will be all that with even more boats, events and thrills.”

Last year’s field of 28 F1 and F-Lights boat is expected to expand this year, according to F1 President Jose Mendana Jr., who said registrations are already topping last year’s number. He said US F1 is excited to kick off its season in La Porte.

“The people of La Porte did a great job and everyone who was here can’t wait to come back,” he said. “And the racers who weren’t there have heard from other guys what a great site it is, so our numbers are looking really good.”

This year, Visit Michigan City La Porte has teamed with La Porte based sports marketing firm FWC to expand the event, adding more events to the grand prix, including several family friendly outlets.

“We couldn’t have been happier with our first year. The race exceeded our expectations and was a huge success,” said Jack Arnett, Visit Michigan City Executive Director. “The economic impact was strong and we look forward to adding to that this year. And we’re very excited about our new partnership with FWC. They’ll add a great deal to what we’re doing and will make the event even better.”

For more information on the 2nd annual Maple City Grand Prix, contact Visit Michigan City La Porte Sports Development Manager Jason Miller at Jason@michigancitylaporte.com or by phone at (219) 872-5055.

— From staff reports

http://www.heraldargus.com/articles/2014/03/25/news/local/doc5330669f8d649995584317.txt