The official word is out regarding the continued partnership between P1 Offshore and OPA Racing to raise the bar in offshore racing with some hard top racing as the number of teams racing with the combined organization grows at a steady rate. The boat turnout and prime locations make it a perfect combination giving both racers and fans a truely professional venue. The official statement announced that in 2020 they will be returning to all six venues that hosted races this year which does include three race sites in Florida again as well as three in the Midwest. They also added that championship calendar will again include 13 APBA race classes.
Quoted in the release Azam Rangoonwala, CEO of Powerboat P1 said: “Our new partnership with the OPA has enabled us to strengthen the future of offshore racing in the United States by uniting race teams in a way that has been missing for a long time. All the international teams who participated this year have agreed to race in 2020 and we are expecting more to be added to the line-up. Our aim is always to stage events that entertain and excite, and the average attendance figure of more than 70,000 across the season is testimony to the appeal of the new series.”
”OPA President Roland “Smitty” Smith added, “All the race sites saw a tremendous increase in boat count, averaging 60+ teams. This ensures the enjoyment for race fans, increases value for sponsors and boosts the economic impact for the host venues. Seeing a series like this has been my dream for many years and thanks to the outstanding teamwork created by P1 and OPA it has now become a reality.” Speed on the Water will continue in its role as the championship’s official media partner, with Lucy Nicandri as the APBA Offshore Championship’s media liaison officer. Television coverage and live streaming plans will be announced in the coming weeks. Powerboat P1 and OPA are experienced promoters with a rich history. P1 began racing in 2003 and since then has staged more than 600 powerboat and personal watercraft races in 18 countries on four continents. OPA has staged countless races within 15 race classes since 2002. The New Jersey-based operation has been the host club since racing started in Point Pleasant Beach some 40 years ago.
2020 APBA Offshore Championship Race Calendar
May 15-17 Cocoa Beach, FL
May 29-30 Lake of the Ozarks, MO
June 26-28 Sarasota, FL
July 24-26 St. Clair, MI
July 31–Aug. 2 Michigan City, IN
October 8-10 Fort Myers Beach, FL
Detailed schedule and more available from P1 Offshore
