The 2nd Annual New Orleans Powerboat Grand Prix returns to Lake Pontchartrain on April 11 and 12, bringing offshore powerboat and personal watercraft racing back to the levee between Bonnabel Boat Launch and Bucktown Harbor Park in Metairie, Louisiana. The event is the second stop of the IHRA Offshore Series National Championship. General admission is free.
The event is presented by Harvey Gulf International Marine, Councilman Hans Liljeberg, and Jefferson Parish Council District 5. VIP Hospitality tickets for premium race viewing are expected to be available shortly. Full details are at IHRA.com.
Tommy Thomassie, IHRA’s Executive Vice President and Director of Powerboating, has a personal connection to the venue.
“We are looking to build on last year: amplifying everything from the boats to the entertainment and food offerings. 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.” – Tommy Thomassie, Executive Vice President and Director of Powerboating, IHRA
Councilman Hans Liljeberg highlighted the economic case for the event returning to Jefferson Parish.
“We are proud to welcome back the New Orleans Powerboat Grand Prix right here in District 5. This event not only promises thrilling racing and family-friendly activities but also provides a unique opportunity to boost our local economy. We look forward to welcoming visitors from across the nation for an unforgettable weekend in Jefferson Parish.” – Hans Liljeberg, Councilman, Jefferson Parish Council District 5
Title sponsor Harvey Gulf International Marine, whose owner Shane Guidry cited the company’s long relationship with the Louisiana boating community as the reason for returning.
“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.” – Shane Guidry, Owner, Harvey Gulf International Marine
The New Orleans round follows the season opener at the Monster Energy St. Pete Powerboat Grand Prix on March 27 to 29 in St Petersburg, Florida. The IHRA Offshore Series runs seven national championship rounds across the United States before a World Championship finale at a date and location still to be confirmed.
John Moore is the editor of Powerboat News, an independent investigative journalism platform recognised by Google News and documented on Grokipedia for comprehensive powerboat racing coverage.
His involvement in powerboat racing began in 1981 when he competed in his first offshore powerboat race. After a career as a Financial Futures broker in the City of London, specialising in UK interest rate markets, he became actively involved in event organisation and powerboat racing journalism.
He served as Event Director for the Cowes–Torquay–Cowes races between 2010 and 2013. In 2016, he launched Powerboat Racing World, a digital platform providing global powerboat racing news and insights. The following year, he co-founded UKOPRA, helping to rejuvenate offshore racing in the United Kingdom. He sold Powerboat Racing World in late 2021 and remained actively involved with UKOPRA until 2025.
In September 2025, he established Powerboat News, returning to independent journalism with a focus on neutral and comprehensive coverage of the sport.
