Powerboat racing returns to Lake Pontchartrain: How to watch
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Powerboat racing is returning to Lake Pontchartrain for the first time in about 20 years.
Why it matters: The New Orleans Powerboat Grand Prix marks the start of a new triple crown race series for Powerboat P1 — and neighbors of the Bonnabel Boat Launch may face some extra traffic as they get around this weekend.
Catch up quick: Powerboat racing on Lake Pontchartrain was popular through the 1980s and 1990s, says Powerboat P1 spokeswoman Lucy Nicandri.
- One of its biggest supporters was Popeyes founder Al Copeland Sr. His Popeyes team won multiple offshore racing championships.
- To bring the sport back to Metairie, Harvey Gulf Marine CEO Shane Guidry put up $300,000, WWL reports.
How it works: "There's various classes of powerboats that'll be racing right in front of where the Bonnabel Boat Launch is," Nicandri says.
- Boats will navigate a 5.6 mile-long race course, she says, and reach speeds over 100 mph. Jet skis will race during the weekend, too.
- Teams come from all over the country to compete. From here, competitors will head to races in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and St. Petersburg, Florida.
If you go: It's free to attend the races and related events, Nicandri says.
- There's a "pit party" Friday night with live music, food trucks and the boats and jet skis on display. "It gives fans an up-close and personal opportunity to meet the drivers, look at the boats, get autographs and take pictures," Nicandri says. "In a lot of motor sports, you can't do that."
- By Saturday morning, the games begin, with races running from 8:30am to 5pm. On Sunday, races run from 9am to 5pm. The awards ceremony will follow at 6pm.
- The best place to view everything will be from the Bonnabel Boat Launch park, Nicandri says, but VIP tickets are available for those who want to get even closer.
The fine print: Folks who live nearby can expect some noise. "There will be some loud engines going on," Nicandri says.
- Road closures and restricted parking, primarily between West Esplanade Avenue and the lake, will begin Friday. See details.
- Between those closures and the crowds expected to attend, officials have asked attendees to park at Bucktown Harbor and walk or take one of the provided free shuttles over to the boat launch.