Lake Havasu Grand Prix 2011

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Brad Johnson, POPRA President
(530) 550-1638 or brad@pigironracing.com
Ross Wallach, POPRA VP of Race Operations
(310) 318-4012
Scott Arden, POPRA Director of Safety
(562) 755-8732
Jim Salscheider, Lake Havasu City Marine Association Executive Director
(928)208-2442 or jims@lhcma.com
Elaine Cullen
Lake Havasu City CVB
(928) 453-3444 Ext 132

OFFSHORE POWERBOAT RACING RETURNS TO
LAKE HAVASU CITY, APRIL 7-11, 2011

LAKE HAVASU CITY, Ariz. (Nov. 5, 2011) – Offshore Powerboat Racing is returning to Lake Havasu for the 5th Annual Havasu Grand Prix on April 7 – 11, 2011.
The race will be held in conjunction with the Lake Havasu City Marine Association„s 20th annual Performance Boat Show. Over 10,000 racers and spectators are expected to visit the Race Village located at Windsor State Park.
The Offshore Powerboat Race will be sanctioned by the American Powerboat Association (APBA) and includes participation by the Pacific Offshore Powerboat Racing Association (POPRA). Offshore race boats will compete from all over the U.S., ranging from 22 feet to over 50 feet; POPRA boats speed upwards of 150 MPH in some of the Pro classes.
Lake Havasu City provides a wealth of family fun with great hotels, wonderful restaurants, and the world famous London Bridge. The rugged Arizona landscape with the beautiful lake provides a unique Wild West destination for racers and race fans alike.
Racing action starts Friday, Apr. 8, with Qualifying Sprint races throughout the day.
Saturday's Main Event, „The Lake Havasu Grand Prix' will test the attrition of the race boats running at speeds upwards of 150 MPH for 80 miles. Saturday night is a Texas Hold'em
Offshore Powerboat Racing Returns to Lake Havasu 2
fundraiser for the “Carry a Designated Operator” initiative to promote sober boating. The event will be held at the London Bridge Resort Convention Center, host resort for the entire event.
On Sunday, the event shifts gears with the ultimate test of high speed: the Kilo style “Manufacturers‟ Wild West Challenge” where several boat manufacturers will fight for the fastest speeds and hold the top spot on the lake.
RPM Racing Enterprises will be providing excitement between races with jet ski exhibitions in front of Windsor Beach.
POPRA welcomes first-time racers to compete. For more information and an outline of rules log onto www.pacificoffshore.com.
The Pacific Offshore Powerboat Racing Association is one of the oldest offshore powerboat racing organization in the world. POPRA was incorporated in 1966 by the late Bob Nordskog, known around the world as the “Grandfather of Offshore Powerboat Racing”. POPRA is an affiliate of the American Powerboat Racing Association, the oldest recognized sanctioning body for boat racing in the U.S. The production of a POPRA race has a significant impact on the economy of the cities they visit in terms of tourist dollars in hotel, restaurant and retail sales from the racers and fans. POPRA draws participants from all over the U.S. and has produced races throughout the West Coast. Race sites include cities such as Dana Point, Long Beach, San Diego, Lake Havasu, Oceanside, Benecia, Pittsburg (Calif.), Ventura, San Francisco and Las Vegas (Lake Mead). (For more information: www.pacificoffshore.com)
For information about Lake Havasu City, log onto www.golakehavasu.com

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We are also working on the Salton Sea Kilo/Race date to be on the 17-20 of February.

pat W