The  2015 Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Festival recently unveiled a new name and logo, and plans for two full days of powerboat racing on July 4th and 5th off Lido Beach with televised coverage on CBS Sports Network. This year's race format will include racers from around the world and offer a more "spectator friendly" venue with race team classes running together at one time, a live stream broadcast, an expanded VIP area on Lido Beach, and a race awards area on Lido Beach (July 5th) so that fans can now be a part of the celebration.  Festival Director Lucy Nicandri stated, "Suncoast Charities for Children produces the Grand Prix Festival, which last year yielded at $26 Million dollar economic impact and over 15,900 room nights.  89.1% of attendees surveyed last year indicated they came to Sarasota over the July 4th holiday because of the Festival and race events.  With inclusion of televised coverage showcasing this year's Festival and Sarasota around the world, we hope to boost that economic impact number even higher this year while at the same time provide a net increase of money raised for the charity that serves local special needs children, teens, and adults in the Sarasota area." 

Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Festival