August 5, 2024
By Alex Garner, Sheboygan Press
Aug. 9 brings race boat testing, a Boat Parade to City Green and a Block Party at City Green.
SHEBOYGAN - The Midwest Racing Challenge returns to Sheboygan’s lakefront this weekend, Aug. 9-11, and the city is planning to turn out with a block party, viewing areas and trolley shuttle services.
Amid the festivities, the 6-mile race course off the lakeshore, along South Beach, Kite Beach and South Shore, is expected to have 30 or 40 more boats competing than last year.
“I am thrilled to welcome back this exhilarating event to the 'Malibu of the Midwest,'” Mayor Ryan Sorenson said in a news release when the event’s return was announced.
"It not only showcases our city’s stunning waterfront, but also brings together the community in celebration of speed, skill and the thrill of competition.
"This sense of excitement and unity contributes to the vibrancy of Sheboygan,” Sorenson added.
The American Power Boat Association recognized the city as the “Best Race Site” for hosting the Mercury Midwest Challenge last summer. Mercury Racing isn’t a sponsor or affiliated with the event this year.
Last year, the inaugural event also drew thousands of spectators to the area and brought in about $4.7 million in visitor spending.
Expect road closures during the event.
Road closures include the following:
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Broughton Drive between Ontario to Pennsylvania avenues;
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The east part of Pennsylvania Avenue near Rotary Riverview Park;
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South Pier Drive from Fishermans Row to the end of South Pier; and
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South Seventh Street between Clara Avenue and at least Union Avenue.
A free trolley will take visitors around downtown.
The Harbor Centre Midwest Challenge Shuttle Route will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 10 and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 11, running throughout the city’s downtown, lakeshore and across the river on the south side.
The trolley is free to ride during the event and can be taken to get near activity and viewing areas.
Parking shuttles will take people to the downtown bus station, the nucleus of the trolley route, from Sheboygan North and South high schools, and the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Sheboygan campus at 15-minute intervals. The shuttle will depart from North at the top of the hour, South at the half-hour and UWGB at both.
Viewing areas are along the lakefront.
Viewing areas will be near Deland Park, South Pier, South Beach King Park and the lakefront area between Swift and Dillingham avenues on the south side.
Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
Food, drinks and other concession spots will be located at the end of South Pier, in Blue Harbor Resort, in the field between Illinois and Indiana avenues, and at King Park.
Activities are planned Friday-Sunday.
Aug. 9
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1-4 p.m.: Race boat testing
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5:30-6 p.m.: Boat Parade to City Green
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6-10 p.m.: Block Party at City Green in downtown Sheboygan
The Block Party area will have a beer and wine tent, several food trucks and picnic tables. Live music from Chicago-based alternative rock band King of Mars will also be included.
Food trucks featured at the event include Junior’s Eats, Derek’s Curbside Grill, Nina’s Pita Hut, No Pork on your Fork, Terra Verde, E & A’s European Grill, Say Cheese Curd Co., Flips Mini Donuts and Sweet Escapes.
The pit area with race boats and crews near Deland Park is open to the public 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Aug. 10
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11-11:30 a.m.: Open ceremony at a stage in the South Pier lawn
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11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Qualifying round for class 1
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12:45-1:45 p.m.: Race 1 — Super Stock
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2:15-3:15 p.m.: Race 2 — Super V and 450R
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3:15-4:15 p.m.: Race 1 for Class 1, 40 minutes plus 1 lap
P1 fan zone at the end of South Pier Drive will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pits at Deland Park will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Aug. 11
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10-10:30 a.m.: Opening ceremony in the VIP area on the South Pier Lawn
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11 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Race 4 — Class 1 MAVTV, 30 minutes plus 1 lap
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12:15-1:15 p.m.: Race 5 — Bracket classes 700, 600 and 500
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1:45-2:45 p.m.: Race 6 — Mod V, brackets 400, 300 200
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2:45-3:15 p.m.: Race 7 — Supercat
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5 p.m.: Awards in the VIP area
The Sheboygan Yacht Club will host a brat fry near the facility grounds from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Uncle Meat will perform 4:30-7:30 p.m., too.
P1 fan zone at the end of South Pier Drive will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pits at Deland Park will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
