SARASOTA – It was a choppy day out on the water but that didn’t stop dozens of teams competing in the power grand prix from getting in some practice ahead of the big race.
“You just try to be prepared as you can, and the rest is just propellers and experience and luck,” said Will Smith.
Smith and Jim Deitch are defending champions and race in the Super Vee Class in their phantom powerboat Mr. Technology. They hope to repeat last year’s win amongst a sea of younger competitors.
“What a weekend,” said Smith. “And hopefully the two old men will come in first again,” said Deitch.
More than 70 teams will be competing in this year’s powerboat grand prix race, making it the largest powerboat race in Sarasota history.
Making their debut, Ken Bolinger and Stan Perkoski with Fastboy Racing are excited to compete with some of the best powerboat racers in the world.
“It’s awesome to be here and have everybody here,” said Bolinger. “I mean it’s obviously that the sport is growing again because this is one of the biggest races that we’ve been to in the last couple of years.”
The first of the races of the Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix begin Sunday at 10 a.m. on Lido Beach. Spectators are recommended to get there early to secure a spot and to stay hydrated for a full day out on the sun.
