//SARASOTA POWERBOAT GRAND PRIX FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES
SARASOTA POWERBOAT GRAND PRIX FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES, Our Town Sarasota News Events

SARASOTA POWERBOAT GRAND PRIX FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES

SARASOTA POWERBOAT GRAND PRIX FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES FINAL RESULTS & NEW DATE FOR 2020

This year’s 35th Annual Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix had 68 race teams compete from around the world, 
a significant increase from an average of 30 race teams participating over the last several years, thanks to Powerboat
P1 and the Offshore Powerboat Association partnering on a new six-race offshore series this season. This produced
hugely positive results for both the sport of powerboat racing and the impact that the Festival continues to have on
the local economy and Suncoast Charities for Children.

Visit Sarasota County reported in their economic impact report that the 2019 Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix
generated an estimated economic impact of $29.6 Million and a direct total impact of $17.9 Million in
expenditures. This is a considerable increase from $21.9 Million reported in 2018. CBS Sports and Fox Sports
aired an hour-long post-race program reaching approximately 65 million homes within the United States and 400
million households in over 150 countries. The races were also live-streamed with 301,276 viewers tuning in from
around the world.

“The Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Festival continues to be one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year
for our area, bringing visitors and participants from around the world. To have it nationally televised and continue
to generate such a high level of economic impact year after year is impressive,” commented Visit Sarasota County
President Virginia Haley. The local economy was not the only winner from this year’s results. Net proceeds totaling
just over $100,000 were raised for Suncoast Charities for Children, who produce the Grand Prix Festival and July 4th
Bayfront Fireworks. Suncoast Charities for Children supports five local non-profit agencies that provide critical
programs and services to over 5,000 clients with special needs.

Next year’s Festival will be held June 20-28 with the Grand Prix Race taking place on Sunday, June 28. This is a
change from the past 35 years when the race has been held near the July 4th holiday. Visit Sarasota County,
Presenting Sponsor for the Grand Prix, expressed a need to focus on expanding demand outside of a popular holiday
weekend for local businesses and hoteliers to organizers. The City of Sarasota, a Major Sponsor for the Festival,
similarly expressed that such a move will help with surrounding city staff resources needed during a busy holiday
weekend. “We want to continue being a good partner to the community and feedback from key sponsors is
something we always take into consideration before planning any special event”, said Festival Director Lucy
Nicandri. “Our Board of Directors welcomed and carefully reviewed this suggestion along with feedback from
participating race teams traveling to Sarasota. I feel moving the race to the weekend before the July 4th holiday will
now allow visitors and locals, who could not attend before due to the holiday, to experience next year’s Festival.”,
Nicandri added.

For updates and more information visit: sarasotapowerboatgrandprix.org

**Please Note – Visit Sarasota County’s economic impact report was compiled by Downs & St. Germain
Research. It was based upon information received from attendee surveys conducted during the event by
Tampa based Research Data Services. Research Data Services is a market research firm contracted by and
paid for by Suncoast Charities for Children. Research Data Services also indicated that this year’s Festival
supported a total of 16,800 room nights in area lodgings.