Decoding The Undeniable Appeal Of Michigan City

Known simply in offshore racing circles as “Michigan City” for its Indiana location, the XINSURANCE Great Lakes Grand Prix is among the most beloved host-venues among racers and fans. Members of both groups often cite it is and their favorite event of the year.

How popular is it, you ask?

Michigan City is arguably the most fan friendly venue in offshore powerboat racing. Photos by Pete Boden copyright Shoot 2 Thrill Pix.

Enough for specialty insurance provider XINSURNANCE of Sandy, Utah, to ink a five-year deal as the event’s title sponsor, enough for the August 1-3 event to appear on every spec-class owners group schedule this season.

That a small city on Lake Michigan’s southern shore holds such strong appeal is remarkable. It goes beyond conventional “be a big fish in a small pond” event-producing dogma.

The event never fails to attract a healthy fleet of Bracket-class entries.

Race World Offshore is producing the Great Grand Prix this year for the first time. But the Key West, Fla.-headquartered outfit’s Rodrick Cox worked on the event years ago when it was produced by Super Boat International.

“What I’ve said numerous times is that Michigan City is like the Key West of the north,” Cox explained. “It’s great for fans to be able to park and walk. They can see all the boats in the dry pits, stroll over to the concessions area and walk out to the beach and be able to see the races all there in one location. And for the teams to be able to park walk down to the cranes from the dry pits is incredibly convenient.

Lilly praised the event for its family atmosphere were racers and fans mingle freely.

CLICK HERE TO A VIEW A SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR THE GREAT LAKES GRAND PRIX

“Larry Bleil and I have gone up there a couple times and met with Jack Arnett, the executive director of the LaPorte County (Ind.) Convention and Visitors Bureau and his entire team, and they’ve been great. The entire city really supports the event. As they have grown their parades and block parties, and they’ve increased the number of events they’ve had throughout the week starting their race week very early—like on Mondays.”

Freshwater racing and sandy beaches collide in the storied venue.

Rollin’ Transport Super Cat team owner/throttleman Vinnie Diorio, who plans to include the Great Lakes Grand Prix in his “limited schedule” this season, also mentioned the venue’s Sunshine State-like vibe.

“When you’re on the beach in Michigan City, you’d think you are in Florida,” he said.

The Super Stock-class Big East team owner/driver Cole Leibel and throttleman Gary Ballough won their first offshore race together at the 2024 event.

Among the multiple XINSURNANCE-backed teams that will compete in the early August event is the Pro Class 1 XINSURANCE South outfit. Though throttleman Nick Buis and driver J.J. Turk are new to the class this season, neither is new to Michigan City.

Turk cited “the overall ease of racing” at the venue, as well as the freshwater of Lake Michigan and cool temperatures relative to his hometown of Cocoa Beach, Fla., as three of the big events big draws. But they are far from the only three.

The event’s title sponsor, XINSURANCE has a five-year sponosorship deal with the organizers.

“I love the people, the boat parade, the beaches, the pits and the awards banquet, and especially the people who make it happen,” he said.

Buis added, “It’s such a great town. It has an unbelievable street party and, in my opinion, best parade of the year. The entire town comes out to support it.”

The raceboat parade is among the best such processions/celebrations in the sport.

Credit the spectator viewing area on the beach for a good measure of that support. That makes watching the races a pleasure rather than a challenge.

“Michigan City offers great viewing for the fans,” said Chris Hopgood, the owner/driver of the Super Stock class CELSIUS team. “The whole town comes out to watch the races.”

Team CELSIUS owner/driver Chris Hopgood appreciates the local fan support.

The driver of the new Pro Class 1 XINSURANCE South team, Brit Lilly has competed in Michigan City in several classes during the years. The affable Marylander said fans and racers mix freely in the dry pits and at the block party during the event. He emphasized that the personal interaction between the two groups contributes strongly to its popularity with both groups during the week and weekend.

“Michigan City is a blast from Wednesdays till Monday,” he said. “It’s a fun, family atmosphere.”

But just because the races happen on a lake doesn’t mean they don’t get rough—the waterway in question if, after all, Lake Michigan. The Great Lakes Grand Prix has left more than a few boats—and competitors—battered and bruised during the years.

For speedonthewater.com chief photographer Pete Boden, shooting offshore raceboats in mean water is yet another part of the event’s appeal.

“It usually has some bumpy water,” Boden said, then laughed.

Advance VIP ticket sales for the event are open.