The 2nd Annual New Orleans Powerboat Grand Prix returns Saturday, April 11, bringing high-speed excitement back to Lake Pontchartrain. Presented by Harvey Gulf International Marine, Councilman Hans Liljeberg, and Jefferson Parish Council District 5, the event promises a thrilling weekend of racing, entertainment, and family-friendly fun.
“We are proud to welcome back the New Orleans Powerboat Grand Prix right here in District 5,” said Liljeberg. “This event not only promises thrilling racing and family-friendly activities but also provides a unique opportunity to boost our local economy. We look forward to welcoming visitors from across the nation for an unforgettable weekend in Jefferson Parish.”
The race marks the second stop of the International Hot Rod Association Offshore Series National Championship, part of the broader International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) circuit, which hosts events across the United States. The weekend will feature two days of high-energy action, including opportunities to meet race teams and view powerboats up close, as well as high-speed powerboat and personal watercraft racing on Saturday and Sunday (April 11–12).
Executive Vice President and Director of Powerboating, Tommy Thomassie, said that IHRA is excited to bring all of the action to South Louisiana, where he was born and raised. “We are looking to build on last year: amplifying everything from the boats to the entertainment and food offerings. We want to show off our racing world to the locals, and at the same time show off the area and its offerings to our racers.”
The event site is located on the levee between Bonnabel Boat Launch and Bucktown Harbor Park. General admission is free, with VIP Hospitality tickets soon to be available for premium race viewing.
“Harvey Gulf is once again pleased to sponsor the offshore boat races in Lake Pontchartrain. At Harvey, we generate our revenue on water, and it is important for our company to give back to the recreational boating industry,” said Shane Guidry, the owner of Harvey Gulf. "I would like to extend my gratitude to the Louisiana boating community for the partnership we share on the water. Coexisting together for nearly 75 years, as we have, is essential in assisting America in its pursuit of energy independence while ensuring that recreational boating remains undisturbed. This commitment is paramount to fostering good neighborly relations."
Founded in 1970, IHRA is a leading motorsports sanctioning body overseeing professional and grassroots racing across multiple disciplines. With a racer-first philosophy, IHRA emphasizes safety, innovation, competitive integrity, and community engagement, while promoting family participation and youth development in motorsports.
For more information about the Powerboat Grand Prix, visit www.IHRA.com.