SHEBOYGAN – The powerboat racing event that has taken place along Sheboygan’s shore for the last three summers will not be coming back in August.
The Midwest Challenge Powerboat Races have been canceled by the International Hot Rod Association because it can’t provide the “necessary staffing and operational support required to safely and successfully host the event,” according to an update from the city of Sheboygan.
The city said it was notified of the cancellation July 13.
The races were supposed to return Aug. 8-9.
IHRA acquired Powerboat P1 USA and P1 Offshore, which previously put on the Midwest Challenge, last October.
“This is an incredibly disappointing outcome for our community, local businesses and the many fans who look forward to this event each year,” Mayor Ryan Sorenson said in a news release.
The powerboat races debuted in 2023, drawing about 43,000 attendees and $4.7 million in visitor spending.
Attendance and visitor spending dipped in 2024 — 21,000 spectators and more than $3.3 million in visitor spending.
The event was cut short last August because of severe weather.
City still hopes to host festivities at City Green, King Park
Although the Midwest Challenge is canceled, the city still wants to salvage some of the planned festivities during that weekend, like the Block Party at City Green and Bites and Brews at King Park.
The city will share additional information about modified programming “shortly,” the press release said.
Contact Alex Garner at 224-374-2332 or agarner@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Sheboygan Press: Midwest Challenge powerboat races canceled in Sheboygan
Reporting by Alex Garner, Sheboygan Press / Sheboygan Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Alex Garner, Sheboygan Press | USA TODAY Network
