Eastlake Willoughby Offshore Grand Prix
Bringing the roar back to The Great Lakes!
Welcome to the official website of the Eastlake Willoughby Offshore Grand Prix. We are thrilled to be presenting this racing event and hope you will join us for the fun and excitement. Check back often for news and updates!
To learn more about us, please reach out to a member of our team. We would be more than happy to help!
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Eastlake-WIlloughby Grand Prix
*Schedule Subject to Change
Friday, July 14, 2023
Arrival of Race Boats - Race Village - Chagrin Marine (226 E Island Dr, Eastlake, OH)
Crane Area - Chagrin Marine (226 E Island Dr, Eastlake, OH) Ramp Area - East Bank Marine (35909 Lakeshore Blvd, Eastlake, OH) Wet Pits -Chagrin Marine (226 E Island Dr, Eastlake, OH) Dry Pits -Chagrin Marine (226 E Island Dr, Eastlake, OH) Wash Down Area - Chagrin Marine (226 E Island Dr, Eastlake, OH)
Saturday, July 15, 2023
Race Village open to the pubic
RACER MEETING - Chagrin Marine
RACER REGISTRATION - Chagrin Marine
GPS REGISTRATION - Chagrin Marine
Crane & Ramp Operational
Race Control Operational (TBA)
Race Boat Inspections - Race Village
Race Boat testing
BOATS on DISPLAY DOWNTOWN on Erie Street
(Staging at 5:30pm) (6pm parade to Erie Street)
use 4077 Erie Street, Willoughby, Ohio 44094 for a GPS point
10:30 am-3pm
Sunday, July 16, 2023
Race Village open
Team Physicals - Chagrin Marine
Racer Meeting - Chagrin Marine
Set Course Markers
Medical and Dive Team briefing - Chagrin Marine
Patrol Fleet Briefing - Chagrin Marine
Race Control Operationa l
Crane and Ramp operational
Race Patrol Fleet & Course Support Fleet on station
Race Times are Subject to Adjustment
Awards Ceremony - Chagrin Tavern (196 S Iland Dr, Eastlake, OH)
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Registration will be on SATURDAY ONLY! ALL boats MUST be registered by the close of registration on SATURDAY. You WILL NOT be permitted to sign-in and/or register on SUNDAY.
Volunteer & Water Patrol Meeting - Chagrin Marine
Racer Meet & Greet @ Deck Lounge ( 35943 Lakeshore Blvd, Eastlake, OH )
HOST HOTEL: Four Points By Sheraton, 35000 Curtis Blvd, Eastlake, OH 44095 (440) 953-8000
Racer Code: OPA
Fri, Jul 12
Eastlake/Willoughby Grand Prix
July 12 - 14, 2024
Time & Location
Jul 12, 2024, 7:00 PM – Jul 14, 2024, 11:00 PM
Eastlake, Eastlake, OH, USA
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Local News | Eastlake Willoughby Offshore Grand Prix returning this July
Races for the Eastlake Willoughby Offshore Grand Prix are currently scheduled for July 10. Boats are scheduled to arrive in Eastlake at Chagrin Marine, 226 E. Island Drive , as early as July 7.
On July 9, the boat parade will start at Chagrin Marine and will go to downtown Willoughby. The start time of the parade is to be announced.
“I believe this year, we’re not going to be going up against the art festival, so we’ll be able to bring them down earlier, stay a little longer and then people are more than welcome to see the boats and meet the racers,” Mendeszoon said. “It’s not as tight of a schedule, so we’re trying to make that into a big event. It’s great that we are able to get this different weekend so everybody can have their time in Willoughby and promote the downtown.”
Last year , there were more than 20 boats that participated in the event. Between 30 and 40 boats are expected to participate this year, she said.
“There are several more who have told Steve that they will be there and there is one particular class that Eastlake-Willoughby will be part of their additional cash series,” Mendeszoon said. “They’re going to be doing like three races and we’re part of that, so that should bring us even more boats. We’re trying to get some of the big boats in as well, which I think would be the cat’s meow for us as a race organization.”
Despite the rain that took place during last year’s event, racing teams still enjoyed the setup, she said. Racers were able to pull into Chagrin Marine’s buildings to work on their boats to avoid the rain.
“I know the marina just put another storage building up over the winter, so it gives us more space to spread out and have teams covered, and not out in the elements if they don’t want to be,” Mendeszoon said.
The course for this year’s races will be spectator friendly at Osborne Park, located at 38575 Lakeshore Blvd. in Willoughby. A DJ will be set up a the park and there will be possibly live radio coverage of the race.
From the park, the course will go down toward the mouth of the Chagrin River where Eastlake residents are able to watch.
“We couldn’t close the river down because the Coast Guard did not want that, so we had to maneuver on their guidance,” Mendeszoon said. “Last year, due to the weather, we had to shift the course out because of all the debris that was in the race course early in the day. For safety purposes, we moved it offshore a bit more.”
Racers interested in registering may do so online through the Offshore Powerboat Association , GLOPRA’s governing body out of New Jersey. According to OPA, all boats must register with OPA Racing and fees paid. Racers must be a registered member of OPA Racing as well as obtain an APBA membership. Participants may call or text 732-977-5638 will any questions.
Even though the organization took a hiatus for a few years, GLOPRA is now in its 50th year this year. Mendeszoon hopes the younger generation will come out for the event to meet the racers, who are excited and love to share their stories, she said.
“They believe in cultivating and having this sport move forward,” Mendeszoon said. “We’ve got one of the most beautiful resources, Lake Erie, and both Steve and I are thrilled that we’ll be able to bring it back to show people the sport we love.”
OPA Racing welcomes racers from all over the world to come and race in one of their 15 classes, according to OPA. Offshore powerboat racing is among the most dangerous, yet exciting forms of motorsports today, and draws a wide variety of fans and interest.
“I want to send a thank you out to the Chagrin Tavern and the marina,” Mendeszoon said. “They’re hosting us and I’m excited to welcome Race Winning Brands out of Mentor as our title sponsor.”
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Boats go full throttle as annual Eastlake Grand Prix kicks off on Lake Erie
EASTLAKE, Ohio — Boats fueled up and went full throttle this weekend out on Lake Erie.
What You Need To Know
Offshore boat racing takes off annually at the chagrin marina in eastlake teams travel down the chagrin river out to the open waters of lake erie more than 30 teams compete from all over the united states race teams have felt the pain at the pump as they fuel their trucks and boats for race day.
The annual Eastlake Grand Prix kicked off on Sunday with more than 30 teams competing this year.
Team Knucklehead with the checkered flag after a neck and neck race! 🏁🏆 pic.twitter.com/LziREIke6x — Dominic Ferrante (@DJFerrante1) July 10, 2022
Ed Smith, owner and driver for Knucklehead racing, was one of the people out on the water. He and his team from Michigan arrived earlier in the week. But before they could hit the road for Eastlake, a lot of work needed to be done.
“Well, the first steps we do, you know, is we get everything loaded up for the boat,” Smith explained. Once at their final destination, the group gets to work, making everything sparkle. “Clean and getting everything cleaned up, ready to go, and then there's a few things that we didn't get done on the boat before we left.”
Smith has years of experience when it comes to offshore boat racing. He's been doing it his whole life. Smith first learned the craft from his adopted father, Al. As a kid, he was inspired by his father's work on speed boats and wanted to get involved. Twenty-five years later, Ed has brought home many world and national championship wins.
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Friday, July 14, 2023 Arrival of Race Boats - Race Village - 1pm-5pm Chagrin Marine (226 E Island Dr, Eastlake, OH) Crane Area - Chagrin Marine (226 E Island Dr, Eastlake, OH) Ramp Area - East Bank Marine (35909 Lakeshore Blvd, Eastlake, OH) Wet Pits -Chagrin Marine (226 E Island Dr, Eastlake, OH) Dry Pits -Chagrin Marine (226 E Island Dr, Eastlake, OH) Wash Down Area - Chagrin Marine (226 E Island Dr, Eastlake, OH) Volunteer & Water Patrol Meeting - Chagrin Marine 6pm Racer Meet & Greet @ Deck Lounge (35943 Lakeshore Blvd, Eastlake, OH) 6pm - 9pm Saturday, July 15, 2023 Race Village open to the pubic 10am-4pm RACER MEETING - Chagrin Marine 10am RACER REGISTRATION - Chagrin Marine 10:30am-3pm GPS REGISTRATION - Chagrin Marine 11am-2pm Crane & Ramp Operational 11am-4pm Race Control Operational (TBA) 11am Race Boat Inspections - Race Village 11am-4pm Race Boat testing 12pm-4pm BOATS on DISPLAY DOWNTOWN on Erie Street 6:30pm-9pm (Staging at 5:30pm) (6pm parade to Erie Street) use 4077 Erie Street, Willoughby, Ohio 44094 for a GPS point Sunday, July 16, 2023 Race Village open 10am-5pm Team Physicals - Chagrin Marine 7am Racer Meeting - Chagrin Marine 8am Set Course Markers 9am Medical and Dive Team briefing - Chagrin Marine 9:30am Patrol Fleet Briefing - Chagrin Marine 9:30am Race Control Operational 10am Crane and Ramp operational 10am Race Patrol Fleet & Course Support Fleet on station 11am Race Times are Subject to Adjustment 12pm - 4pm Awards Ceremony - Chagrin Tavern (196 S Iland Dr, Eastlake, OH) 7pm
Logan’s Heroes scheduled to race in Eastlake Willoughby Offshore Grand Prix In this year’s Eastlake Willoughby Offshore Grand Prix, a racing team by the name of Logan’s ♥ Heroes will be racing for Down syndrome and congenital heart disease awareness. The team was created by Steve LaPinta, owner of the Class 6 powerboat, throttleman and the significant other of Christine Glasko, mother of Logan Glasko. Chuck Martin has been brought on as the driver, as well as Doug Pavelschak as the team’s crew chief. Earlier this month, the team won its first race at Lakes of the Ozarks in Missouri and now the Eastlake Willoughby event is set for July 14-16. The heart in the team name symbolizes the three open heart surgeries Logan, who is 16 years old, has had, while the boat number, 614, represents his birthdate. “With Steve having his own team and trying to bring awareness to (Down syndrome), I think it’s something we can build on and explore in the future,” said Kris Mendeszoon, co-chair of the powerboat racing event alongside LaPinta. Racing with the Offshore Powerboat Association, LaPinta, his team and Logan have raced all over. “The biggest thing I enjoy is the smile on Logan’s face when we win,” he said. The team’s second race was scheduled to be in New Jersey, but had gotten canceled due to the wildfires in Canada. “The Eastlake race is next up and then we go to Michigan,” LaPinta said. “The following weekend after that, we go to Indiana.” Sept. 28 through Oct. 1, the team will participate in the national championship race in North Carolina and then the world championship in Florida. “(Logan’s) ecstatic,” LaPinta said. “He’ll talk to all the racers. They’re his buddies.” LaPinta has always been around boats, having grown up around them and having had parents who were boat owners. “I’ve had a boat of my own since I was 12,” he said. “I raced for quite a while back in the late ’80s through the ’90s, and then I finally built my own boat.” Other than checking off things on a schedule prior to every race, making sure the boat is clean for the parade and that the fluids are changed are among the basics that need to be done for preparation, LaPinta said. “One of the big things about our sport is we always like to do the parades and the block parties not only for the kids to see the boats, but the parents as well,” he said. “The owners, drivers and crews are fantastically friendly people. The racing community has been tight knit.” For this year’s Willoughby Eastlake race, the parade will once again start in Eastlake at Chagrin Marine, 226 E. Island Drive, travel down Lakeshore Boulevard, Euclid Avenue and into Erie Street in downtown Willoughby. “I think we’ll have food vendors there, so we’re building on that more,” Mendeszoon said. Last year, the supply chain was a major hiccup for many of the racers, Mendeszoon said, who hopes that 30 plus boats will be in attendance. “Osborne Park is going to be all set up again, so you can view from there,” she said. “We had 28 last year. It’s not a cheap partaking. People like the adrenaline rush. They love the challenge.” Racers always strive to put on as best of a show as they are able to everywhere they go, LaPinta said. “Everybody gets along, everybody knows each other and everybody looks out for each other,” he said. “If you enjoy boating and going fast, I would encourage it.” Interested sponsors for the race may call Mendeszoon at 216-970-0774. https://www.news-herald.com/2023/06/...re-grand-prix/
RESULTS: 2023 Eastlake-Willoughby Grand Prix VEE EXTREME 1st - 20 Knucklehead MOD VEE 1st - 21 Shocker STOCK VEE 1st - 26 Cigar Monster 2nd - 3 Wazzup CLASS 3 1st - 388 Mr Herbotto CLASS 4 1st - 420 Crazy Rhythm CLASS 5 1st - 513 May Marine CLASS 6 1st - 684 MDG Offshore 2nd - 614 Logan's Hereos CLASS 7 1st - 721 Team Progression 2nd - 730 Red Rum 3rd - 700 The Punisher 4th - 766 Chug It 5th - 789 Indecisive 6th - 747 Bad Habit
PHOTOS: Willoughby-Eastlake Offshore Grand Prix, July 16, 2023 https://www.news-herald.com/2023/07/...-july-16-2023/ The News-Herald By JOE BOJC | PUBLISHED: July 16, 2023 at 7:24 p.m. | UPDATED: July 17, 2023 at 8:16 a.m.
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Boat Display and Offshore Grand Prix RaceJoin us for a weekend of fun with the Eastlake-Willoughby Offshore Grand Prix! On Saturday, July 9th, boats will be on display in Downtown Willoughby along Erie Street from 6pm – 10pm (road closures begin at 5 pm). Stop by to interact with the boat captains and crews and see these fantastic boats up close! The 2022 Eastlake-Willoughby Offshore Grand Prix is Sunday, July 10th. See the boats at the turn from the Osborne Park viewing area. Food Trucks, Trendy Pop-Up shops and DJ Jeff May will be there too! Races are scheduled to run from 12pm – 4pm. |
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Welcome to the official website of the Eastlake Willoughby Offshore Grand Prix. We are thrilled to be presenting this racing event and hope you will join us for the fun and excitement. Check back often for news and updates!
Race Control Operational (TBA) Race Boat Inspections - Race Village. Race Boat testing. BOATS on DISPLAY DOWNTOWN on Erie Street (Staging at 5:30pm) (6pm parade to Erie Street) use 4077 Erie Street, Willoughby, Ohio 44094 for a GPS point
Jul 12, 2024, 7:00 PM – Jul 14, 2024, 11:00 PM. Guests. See All
Races for the Eastlake Willoughby Offshore Grand Prix are currently scheduled for July 10. Boats are scheduled to arrive in Eastlake at Chagrin Marine, 226 E. Island Drive, as early as July 7.
Sports event in Eastlake, OH by Great Lakes Offshore Racing Association -Glopra on Sunday, July 18 2021 with 196 people interested and 156 people going.
Offshore powerboat race on Lake Erie. Viewing on water and Osborne Park, Willoughby ohio. Event by Great Lakes Offshore Racing Association -Glopra on Sunday, July 10 2022 with 125 people interested and 75 people going.
The 2023 Eastlake-Willoughby Offshore Grand Prix is Sunday, July 16th. See the boats at the turn from the Osborne Park viewing area. Race is scheduled from 12pm to approximately 5 pm.
Offshore boat racing takes off annually at the Chagrin Marina in Eastlake; Teams travel down the Chagrin River out to the open waters of Lake Erie; More than 30 teams compete from all over the United States; Race teams have felt the pain at the pump as they fuel their trucks and boats for race day
In this year’s Eastlake Willoughby Offshore Grand Prix, a racing team by the name of Logan’s ♥ Heroes will be racing for Down syndrome and congenital heart disease awareness. The team was created by Steve LaPinta, owner of the Class 6 powerboat, throttleman and the significant other of Christine Glasko, mother of Logan Glasko.
On Saturday, July 9th, boats will be on display in Downtown Willoughby along Erie Street from 6pm – 10pm (road closures begin at 5 pm). Stop by to interact with the boat captains and crews and see these fantastic boats up close! The 2022 Eastlake-Willoughby Offshore Grand Prix is Sunday, July 10th.