Michigan City builds on record turnout with five year RWO plan

Race World Offshore's Michigan City round returns July 31 to August 2, 2026, year two of a five year vision for the event, backed by a record first year turnout and a fresh return to APBA sanctioning.

Race World Offshore (RWO) has confirmed its return to Michigan City, Indiana for the XINSURANCE Great Lakes Grand Prix, marking year two of a five year vision for the event with the city and LaPorte County.

A record first year

RWO took over production of the Great Lakes Grand Prix for the 2025 season, when 70 boats entered across 13 classes, the event's biggest field in years. XINSURANCE South won Pro Class 1 and Hi-Tech Deck took Super Stock.

"We are excited to come off a record-setting year with 70 boats and an incredible team spirit throughout the entire event," said Larry Bleil, RWO president. "Michigan City embraced this race at every level, from the fans and volunteers to the leadership that helped bring it to life."

Jack Arnett, CEO of the LaPorte County Convention and Visitors Bureau, credited RWO directly. "RWO understands the business model we require here and they deliver on that," he said. "Last year's event was the best year yet, and we credit RWO for much of that success."

RWO returns to APBA

RWO's 2025 season ran independently of APBA sanctioning, after RWO and fellow promoter Professional Racing Offshore stepped away from the governing body ahead of that season. In November 2025, APBA announced RWO's return to its sanctioning structure for 2026, bringing Michigan City into the APBA rules, officiating and national points structure alongside Atlantic City, Clearwater and Key West.

For competitors, Michigan City's 2026 round will count toward the APBA national points table, adding another layer to RWO's second year at the venue.

A five year vision

Race preparations are already underway, with RWO planning the return of its Race Village fan zone and full race production along the Lake Michigan shoreline for the July 27 to August 2 race week.