Powerboat P1, the London-headquartered international marine motorsport promoter, has announced the historic Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix will return on the weekend of July 1-3. As one of Sarasota’s longest running events, the grand prix generates millions of dollars in economic impact for the community annually. More than 60 race teams are expected to attend this year with teams and drivers from around the world, including Australia, Italy, Sweden, New Zealand, Cayman Islands and Canada. The event, presented by Visit Sarasota County, will kick off on Friday July 1st with the traditional downtown block party giving fans the opportunity to meet the teams and see the boats up-close on Gulfstream Avenue from 6:00-10:00pm. Attendees will enjoy live music and drinks, and can interact with the drivers in front of their race boats. Racing will begin at Lido Beach on Saturday July 2nd with P1 AquaX personal watercraft racing at 8:00am, followed by P1 Offshore powerboat testing from 10:30am-1:30pm. P1 AquaX will stage its second race before the UIM Class 1 World Powerboat Championship teams compete for Pole position from 3:30-4:30pm. Sunday will feature a full day of racing with P1 AquaX, P1 Offshore and the high-speed Class 1 boats all in action. There will be a new P1 Village fan zone in the Lido Beach parking lot on Sunday, complete with vendors including food trucks, a beer garden, merchandise, fun activities, and live music. Lido Beach will also feature P1’s VIP hospitality suite, offering a catered lunch, open bar, lounge seating and televisions to enhance the race viewing experience. The P1 Offshore Sarasota Grand Prix presented by Visit Sarasota County will be televised globally as well as in the U.S. on CBS Sports Network and Bally Sports Regional Networks, showcasing the white sugary sands of Sarasota’s beaches and the vibrant downtown city life.