Michigan City hosts the AquaX Grand Prix and welcomes racers from all over the world

Washington Park Beach was a hive of activity Friday night as the AquaX Aquacross Championship Series arrived in Michigan City. The world’s best jet ski riders compete in fast, action-packed endurance and sprint races. The series is one of the fastest growing watercraft competitions in the world.

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Michigan City first hosted the series in 2019 and has become a popular destination for drivers and organizers. Most race weekends take place on Florida’s beaches – the fresh waters of Lake Michigan and the Midwestern community offer a very different dynamic both on and off the track.

“This is one of our favorite places to race, the locals and Visit Michigan City LaPorte really welcome us with open arms,” ​​said Michelle Petro, director of operations at Powerboat P1, the organization that organizes AquaX. “They really make the racers feel like rock stars. It’s an incredible experience for these drivers, especially the amateurs who don’t normally get to experience that. We love Michigan City and the people here are just amazing.”

Visit Michigan City LaPorte welcomed the riders, who hail from across the United States as well as countries such as Indonesia, the United Kingdom and Morocco, with a welcome party at Washington Park Beach. Riders were treated to an open buffet by Sweet Lou That’s Who and live music by the Who Dat Dere Band.

“I’ve worked every one of these races since 2019, and the exciting thing about these riders is they just don’t give up,” said Scott Miller, AquaX race director for Visit Michigan City LaPorte. “There have been races where we’ve had three to four foot waves on Saturday, and when I come out on Sunday, I see them getting ready to go back out there and compete again with nose clips and black eyes from being hit on those waves. They love what they do, and they’ll do it any time they get the chance.”

Riders will hit the water from 10am to 5pm on Saturday and 10am to 3pm on Saturday. Among those competing is MACC Racing Monster Energy’s Chris MacClugage – sometimes considered the best of all time in the field, according to Petro.

MacClugage is a veteran of the Michigan City AquaX Grand Prix, having won the event three years ago.

“I’m from Florida, where the water is rough but salty, and salt water is no fun,” MacClugage said. “Salt damages the skis and there’s a lot of cleanup. Here on Lake Michigan, you get the same waves, but with fresh water.”

The city has also taken the excellent athlete to its heart and is looking forward to delivering a strong performance in front of the audience.

“I like the town, it’s a very different atmosphere than Florida,” he said. “It’s cool to come here and see how the local people enjoy life on the lake compared to the people in Florida. It’s the same, just the water is different.”

The action at Washington Park Beach starts tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. A food court and beer garden will open alongside the action and will run until 11:00 p.m. Point’n Fingers will also perform live on the Boardwalk starting at 7:00 p.m. In addition, the LaPorte LakeFest AquaX Grand Prix, a national championship race, will take place on July 27 and 28 at Stone Lake.

For more information, visit michigancitylaporte.com