Racing on the Hudson… Tribute to 9/11
New York (September 4, 2012) – The 22nd Annual New York Super Boat Grand Prix Powerboat race is here and teams are ready to compete in front of Lady Liberty. Super Boat International (SBI) has orchestrated 22 races on the Hudson River and is especially looking forward to this year’s event Sept. 7th through Sept. 9th. Professional offshore powerboat racers compete Sunday at 1:00 pm to be crowned the winner in one of the longest running powerboat series events.
President and Founder of Super Boat International, John Carbonell comments on his feeling about this race. “ Last year was very special to many families that live around here with the dedication of the 9/11 memorial in Liberty State Park. We were pleased to make adjustments to our schedule to accommodate the ceremonies and race at a different time. Before 9/11, we came here to race year after year and we have raced every year since. This year our events are back on schedule and we expect many of the people who came to the park last year will come back to watch us this year. This race is a part of our National Points Series circuit, but it has become more than that. Many of our staff are firefighters and rescue personnel and we have a very strong sense of family unity. We hope, as we race again on Sunday, we can put on a show that fans on both sides of the river can enjoy.”
SBI is currently the only organization authorized by local municipalities and waterway enforcement groups that shut the river down during the boat race. The race covers an area from the Statue of Liberty to Chelsea Pier making the course about a 6-mile lap. Fans can watch the race from both sides of the river on shore and have also viewed from the high rises in Manhattan.
The New York Grand Prix is a very important race in the National Points Series as teams jockey to earn as many points as possible to be positioned well for the National Championship event later in September. Last year racing was very tough as there were heavy rains up to Saturday, which loosened debris up river and washed it through the race course. Teams get very concerned when hitting debris as it can cause serious damage to a race boat. Last year, big logs and large debris was seen on the course, however most teams averted heavy damage.
Race team owner and local New Yorker, Peter Meyer, of the 42’ Instigator Vee Bottom is ready. “We are looking forward to this race. We have made all our plans and will be ready to race… and have a good time of course.” The famous Fountain Vee Bottom is expected to finish well in New York. Another big name entry, WHM Motorsports, will bring their Skater Catamaran and should also impress the crowd. Owner / driver Billy Mauff is also a local favorite and loves running in his back yard.
Many teams are preparing for New York and will arrive, prepared and ready to race. As usual, the largest boats are very competitive, but most boats in the Production, Stock and P1 classes display some of most exciting levels of competitions and deck to deck racing.
This year the event will be streamed on https://new.livestream.com/sbi/newyork12 so you won’t miss any of the action. On the Livestream page, watch and listen to interviews, make comments and watch all the action as it happens. Fans can stay connected with us at superboat.com and Like Us on Facebook for all this year’s news. The Super Boat schedule is posted through 2013 with races in Cocoa Beach, Sarasota and Miami, FL; Michigan City IN; New York, NY; Clearwater and Key West, FL.
Liberty Landing Marina (Dry Pits)
Teams will start to arrive Liberty Landing Marina, Friday September 7th and stage their boats and equipment. Fans can come see their favorite teams through the weekend. Teams will test on Saturday from noon to 5:00 pm where the rules-of-the-road applies. Teams will be expected to return to the crane promptly with the last boat to be craned out and placed on their respective trailer by 5:00 pm. Sunday teams will race at 1:00 pm. Fans can watch from either the New Jersey or New York side of the Hudson River.
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