The 3rd Annual Mercury Racing Midwest Challenge, produced by Powerboat P1, takes place Aug. 8-10 and promises exhilarating powerboat and jet ski racing on Lake Michigan.
The weekend offers a festive atmosphere for the entire family. The fun begins on Friday, August 8, with a Downtown Block Party featuring a variety of powerboats on display, food, drinks, and live music. Then, on Saturday and Sunday, powerboat and jet ski race teams will compete for the checkered flag. The best viewing area is along the lakefront at the end of South Pier Drive. hroughout the weekend, race teams will be on display in Deland Park. The event is free; however, VIP tickets are available and include food, beverages, a live stream of all the racing action, and the best viewing area for the event.
Last year’s event drew 21,246 visitors and generated $3,668,924 in visitor spending. It not only boosted the local economy but also significantly raised the profile of Sheboygan, with Powerboat P1’s national and international television coverage showcasing the city’s many attractions to a worldwide audience of more than 230 million homes. "We are thrilled to bring this incredible boating event back to Sheboygan, the Malibu of the Midwest," said Sheboygan Mayor Ryan Sorenson. "It’s a celebration of our community, highlighting our beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline and deep-rooted boating culture. From high-speed excitement to lakeside fun, this is a moment for our city, businesses, and boating enthusiasts to come together and shine. It’s one of the highlights of our summer."
Community partners for the event include Visit Sheboygan, the City of Sheboygan, and the Sheboygan Chamber of Commerce. Net proceeds from the event will benefit the P1 Marine Foundation, with a portion of the proceeds earmarked for the Sheboygan Youth Sailing Center.
Sheboygan is the second stop of the Monster Energy P1 Offshore Triple Crown & P1 AquaX National Championship series. Additional races were held in New Orleans, LA, and St. Petersburg, FL, will host the third stop in September. In 2023, Sheboygan received The Best Race Site Award from the American Powerboat Association. For tickets and more information, click here.