TRAVERSE CITY, MI - A proposal set to go before the Traverse City Commission would bring high-speed powerboat racing to Grand Traverse Bay.

Representatives from the American Power Boat Association and the Offshore Power Boat Association made a brief presentation to the city's Parks and Recreation Commission on Thursday, May 5.

The Grand Traverse Bay Offshore classic would take place in a 5-mile loop section of the West Bay Aug. 9-12, 2018.

The nationally-televised Races would be in heats with boat speeds ranging from 80 to 120 miles per hour, according to the proposal. NBC Sports would handle race coverage.

No official rulings were made on Thursday. The 6-member advisory committee voted 3-3 in regard to the event. That data will be sent to the Traverse City Commission which will make a final decision for or against the proposal on May 15.

Up to 100,000 would be allowed to view the races for free, mostly from West End Beach, Clinch Beach Park and the Open Space. Spectators would also be allowed to watch from the water along the north end of the race route under the current proposal.

Spectators would also have access to boats and drivers for photos and autographs. The current proposal calls for race organizers to donate a portion of the proceeds do the Make-A-Wish Foundation and a yet-to-be-determined local charity.

The August date means the event would follow the National Cherry Festival and Traverse City Film Festival.* Thursday's meeting last about three hours, a third of which was spent on the race proposal, Parks and Recreation Superintendent Derek Melville said.

Several members of the community spoke at the meeting both for and against the idea, he added. Commission will now weigh the pros and cons of having such an event before making a decision.
City documents indicate that the event would likely bring thousands of people to Traverse City, which would have a positive effect from a business standpoint.

However, the races will generate a "significant amount of noise" between noon and 4 p.m. on Aug. 11-13. Many at the meeting spoke out against the proposal for that reason, among others.*

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