SBI 2016 First Annual Mentor Ohio Grand Prix

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The first annual Mentor Ohio Grand Prix had almost perfect weather and water. Beautiful course for viewing and well managed by the organizers!!

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great I-blurr action

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[Serious News]

ParkOhio SuperBoat Grand Prix draws thousands to Headlands Beach State Park
By Betsy Scott, The News-Herald

The inaugural Park Ohio SuperBoat Grand Prix races took place Aug. 28 at Headlands Beach State Park.

Whether by land or by lake, the crowd gathered at Headlands Beach State Park on Aug. 28 got a view of some of the fastest vessels on water.

Twenty world-class offshore powerboats and their crews came from near and far to participate in the inaugural ParkOhio SuperBoat Grand Prix, which included a weekend full of activities. The races — at noon and 2 p.m. — were preceded by two days of displaying the boats at Great Lakes Mall.

“It’s a good time, a lot of fun,” said Matt Stephens, who traveled from Cincinnati for the festivities. “You don’t have to drive all the way to Florida to get to witness this, so it’s nice that it’s here in Ohio.”

The U.S. Coast Guard estimated 950 boats were in the water along the 2-mile course for a total estimate of 20,000 spectators, including those on shore.

Super Boat International has a large following and some more established race sites draw anywhere from 60,000 to 100,000 fans, officials say.

Organizers were preparing for upwards of 40,000 attendees this weekend.

“It’s not as busy as I expected it was going to be, but still a decent crowd, all things considered,” said Ante Logarusic, Mentor community relations administrator. “We can attribute some of the light turnout to that fact that this is the first time it’s being held and there’s a couple other events going on. Also, it’s 90 degrees out here, so it’s pretty hot. It’s still a beautiful beach day and the people that came out here enjoyed a good show.”

Along with the main events, attractions included several gourmet-level food trucks, a beer garden, and VIP tents with catered meals and a fenced-in area from which to watch. VIP tickets were $150 per adult.

Kim Newhart of Alliance parked herself near the water at 8 a.m. in hopes of getting a good view of the race. Many stood along the shore to watch.

“I think it’s awesome,” she said. “We’re enjoying it — all the different things they’re offering with the food trucks and beer garden.”

The local team, from Mentor-based Cleveland Construction, took second place in its division, according to unofficial race results. Team Captain Mark Small was among those instrumental in bringing the event to town.

City officials plan to evaluate the affect on the local economy.

Officials from Mentor, Lake County, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Grand River and Fairport Harbor collaborated with organizers on items such as traffic and parking management.

The race was held with support from local businesses, which helped to raise the $150,000 needed to put on the event. The city of Mentor provided in-kind contributions, such as police and fire services.

http://www.news-herald.com/article/H...NEWS/160829483

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Saturday practice was very cool as well!