METAIRIE, La. (WGNO) — The P1 Powerboat Grand Prix will probably be on Lake Pontchartrain on the Bonnabel Boat Launch this weekend.

One of many groups racing this weekend is Boatfloater.com, Mod V Class, out of Florida.

The sound of the engines, the velocity of the boats, and the southern grit of the Bonnabel Boat Launch are all a part of the P1 Powerboat Grand Prix races.

“What we’ve got here’s a 29-foot excessive, powered by innovation massive field Chevy, with speeds within the mid-90’s,” Steve Kildahl, Powerboat racer mentioned.

Boatfloater.com is Steve Kildahl’s powerboat. He is from Sarasota, Florida, and that is his fortieth yr of racing.

Final yr his boat took second place within the Nationwide Championships.

“Our son is the one driving the boat, and I work the throttles,” Kildahl mentioned. “My spouse is the motive force of the truck to the crane, and our daughter is on the radio speaking to us in the course of the race. It’s nice to race with the household.”

“We’ve six and a half boot beams on the boats. Generally very squirrely at excessive speeds. This boat might be the oldest within the fleet. 2004, however it’s nonetheless aggressive,” he mentioned.

“They will be out right here racing for factors within the Nationwide Championship. The one factor that is completely different about powerboat racing is how inviting and open the groups are. You’ll be able to come and take a look at the boats, take footage, discuss to the groups. It’s actually cool to see. It provides you goosebumps,” mentioned Thomas Covington, Director of P1 Powerboat Grand Prix.

Boats hit the water Saturday morning, and races proceed till Sunday night. All of the racing enjoyable begins Friday night with a pit celebration at 6:00 p.m.

All weekend the occasion is free and open to the general public, however VIP tickets are being offered.

There will probably be meals distributors and leisure.

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