Produced by Powerboat P1 last year as part of its ill-fated Triple Crown of offshore racing series, the New Orleans Grand Prix presented by Harvey Gulf International Marine returns April 11-12 under the International Hot Rod Association production and sanctioning umbrella. The 2025 event attracted a meager 27 teams, though to be fair most exited the weekend with high-praise for the venue and the support of the local community.
IHRA leaders are confident the Lake Pontchartrain event will have far greater racer support—a prize purse never hurts—this time around.
“We are looking to build on last year: amplifying everything from the boats to the entertainment and food offerings,” said Tommy Thomassie, the IHRA’s executive vice-president and director of powerboating in a press release from the Ohio-based organization. “We want to show off our racing world to the locals, and at the same time show off the area and its offerings to our racers.”
According to the release, Thomassie was “born and raised” in Southern Louisiana, so he comes by his enthusiasm honestly. So, too, does local booster Shane Guidry, who owns Harvey Gulf International Marine.
“Harvey Gulf is once again pleased to sponsor the offshore boat races in Lake Pontchartrain. At Harvey, we generate our revenue on water, and it is important for our company to give back to the recreational boating industry,” he said in the release. “I would like to extend my gratitude to the Louisiana boating community for the partnership we share on the water.
“Coexisting together for nearly 75 years, as we have, is essential in assisting America in its pursuit of energy independence while ensuring that recreational boating remains undisturbed,” he added. “This commitment is paramount to fostering good neighborly relations.”
The New Orleans Grand Prix will be the second races of the IHRA Offshore National Championship Season. The season-opening St. Petersburg Grand Prix in Southwest Florida is set for March 28-29.