Powerboat racing enthusiasts are in for an exciting treat at the first-ever Hollywood Beach Super Boat Grand Prix, which is sponsored by the Hollywood Beach Community Redevelopment Agency.

Close to three dozen powerboats will compete in the event at 1 p.m. Sun., June 18. The public can get a close-up look at these high-powered vessels in the dry-pit area on Hollywood Beach from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the weekend.

The powerboat races in May are part of the McDonald’s Air & Sea Show, one of the world’s largest spectator events, drawing more than 4 million people to Fort Lauderdale’s beach over a two-day period. As the designated host city for the Air & Sea Show Super Boat Grand Prix, Hollywood and its Beach District will benefit from increased tourism revenues and exposure, according to the SBIP/APBA, the nationally recognized sanctioning body that conducts Offshore Powerboat Racing in the U.S. Several of the competing powerboats also will be on public display on Hollywood Beach prior to the races.

"We are very happy to have Hollywood Beach as part of our 2006 national schedule. It is a beautiful city and easy to work with," said John Carbonell, President of SBIP/APBA Offshore. "SBIP/APBA is looking forward to a long relationship for many more years."

Gil Martinez, Executive Director of the Hollywood Beach CRA, said the Beach District is thrilled to participate in the Super Boat Grand Prix events.

"These exciting, well-attended races will help draw attention to our award-winning beach, local businesses and ongoing redevelopment effort," Martinez said.