Set for June 26–28, the Atlantic City Sports Grand Prix—produced for the first time by Race World Offshore and sanctioned by the American Power Boat Association—will likely be the most “offshore’ of all offshore powerboat races this season. The historic New Jersey venue is notorious for dishing out foul Atlantic Ocean conditions.
Race World Offshore head Larry Bleil traveled from his home in Key West, Fla., this week to meet with city leaders and “finalize the framework” for the event, which will be the first of three stops in the outfit’s regular season.
Bleil and company met with representatives from the Golden Nugget Atlantic in the Marina District and Ocean Casino Resort, along with “destination partners” Visit Atlantic City and the Atlantic City Sports Commission.
The Race World Offshore team also completed its final meeting with Atlantic City civic leaders.
“I am really excited, and everyone in Atlantic. City is excited,” Bleil said yesterday via mobile phone as he boarded his return flight to Key West. “It’s our first time here and I was really impressed with what I saw and what I heard from everyone.
“All of the comments I got back were that things are going more smoothly than they ever have,” he added.
According to a post on the Race World Offshore website, “The casinos, tourism leadership and the entire community are already preparing a powerful, city-wide promotional campaign that will reach across the Jersey Shore and throughout the region.
“From marketing activations and hospitality to race logistics and fan experiences, the collaboration and enthusiasm at every level made one thing clear,” the post continued. “Atlantic City is ready to welcome offshore racing back in a big way.”