The shores of Lake Pontchartrain are set to reverberate with the roar of engines as powerboat racing makes a splashback after a two-decade dry spell. According to WWLTV, Powerboat P1, known globally for high-stakes marine motorsport events, has chosen the Metairie lakefront as the stage for its much-anticipated Offshore Grand Prix this summer.
Economic currents are expected to flow favorably for Jefferson Parish; hotels, restaurants, and myriad small businesses gear up to welcome the influx of visitors and the accompanying tide of dollars. In a statement obtained by NOLA.com, Councilman Hans Liljeberg enthused over the festivities planned around the event saying, "It's going to be a big festival the entire weekend," he said, "There is a pit party Friday night. There are all different kind of races throughout the weekend. It's going to have a huge economic impact to this area."
The event, slated for the last weekend in June, is not just a boost for local business but will also benefit the Pontchartrain Conservancy. As per FOX8Live, the conservancy will be the recipient of a portion of the funds raised, a pleasant juxtaposition to the thunderous spectacle of speed and sport about to unfold.
"They're going to be louder, they're going to be more colorful," said a representative talking to FOX8Live, boats that are on the docket for this year's race promise to be a sensory feast; with their enhanced size and vibrant designs they are wider they're bigger; it's all set to be a memorable reintroduction of powerboat racing to an area once familiar with the thrills of high-speed aquatic competition.
