XINSURANCE-Backed 2024 Great Lakes Grand Prix To Double Prize Money

Thanks to XINSURANCE—the title sponsor of the Great Lakes Grand Prix in Michigan City, Ind.—competitors will have added incentive to run hard at the July 30-August 4 event on Lake Michigan. According to a press release issued today by the LaPorte County Convention and Visitors Bureau, which organizes the annual Offshore Powerboat Association-produced event, XINSURANCE will double the prize money for all classes.

For racers and fans, the Great Lakes Grand Prix in Michigan City, Ind., is among offshore racing’s most popular events. Photo from the 2023 Great Lakes Grand Prix by Pete Boden copyright Shoot 2 Thrill Pix.

Official class-specific payouts have not been announced. But last year’s first-place team in the Super Stock class, for example, earned $5,000. That would translate to $10,000 for the victorious Super Stock team in Michigan City this year.

Ryan Beckley, the spokesman for the Super Stock-class owners group, offered perspective.

“Our class purse is minimum $10,000 per race,” he said.

“We’re proud to be a part of the event again this year and look forward to a week of competitive racing, thrills, and events throughout the week,” said Rick J. Lindsey, the chief executive officer and president of Utah-based XINSURANCE. “We appreciate the dedicated teams, crews and all who collaborate to present a fantastic race week for all enthusiasts.

The Saturday night parade and block party will take over downtown Michigan City.

An offshore racing fan-favorite, the event will open VIP ticket sales Monday, April 1. Based on past turnouts, the organizers are expecting more than 200,000 visitors to come through Michigan City during the six-day happening, which includes a block party, a parade and a VIP dinner for the race teams and their families on Friday night at the Blue-Chip Casino and Spa.

Said Jack Arnett, chief executive officer of the LaPorte County Convention and Visitors Bureau “We are expecting a record-breaking number of race teams this year and we are planning a very exciting week.”

Would-be VIP ticket-holders can purchase tickets through this link when sales open Monday morning.