APBA announces that the Marathon Offshore Gran Prix is on the move again, adding not just a parade, but a second fleet of powerboat racers to the competition as the Season Opener of the APBA Offshore GMC Pro Grade Tour makes its way to the Florida Keys.

"We are excited to be able to showcase both our million dollar fleet, as well as our fellow American Power Boat Association Stock Outboard racers. What better way to do that, than a history making Boat Parade down the Overseas Highway, then the competition on the water by both groups of race teams," said Lee Mills, producer of the Marathon Offshore Gran Prix.

Mills says that boats will begin arriving in Marathon on Thursday, May 13th, while testing, and the Race Village will open officially for the weekend on Friday beginning at 9:00am. The Parade is scheduled for Friday evening at 7:30pm, with a Racer Party and Live Entertainment at Sombrero Beach following the Parade. Fans are invited to attend for a small fee with proceeds going to the Marathon Rotary Club.

We look forward to an exciting two days of "stadium style" racing just off the famed Seven Mile Bridge. Last year's competition was very dramatic with bow to stern racing and frequent lead changes. The "stadium style" racing, using five-mile short courses with multiple turns, enables spectators to view 100 percent of the action up close for thrilling offshore racing.

Mills says that this year General Admission to all events are free, including entry into the Race Village Dry Pits at Marathon Airport, as well as all race competition viewing at the Sunset Park.

The Stock Outboard competition will kick off the Saturday competition at 10:00am, followed by APBA Offshore powerboat racing action at Noon and 2:00pm. At 3:30pm the Stock Outboards will return, with a Winners Circle when all racing has been completed.

On Sunday, the Stock Outboards will again premier at 10:00am, with the powerboat racing action at Noon and 2:00pm, followed by the Winners Circle after all racing action has been completed.

An Awards Presentation will be held at Sombrero Beach at 7:00pm on Sunday to honor the top finishers in each class. Complimentary to the race teams, fans can also attend for a small fee with proceeds again to the Marathon Rotary Club.

In addition to the Free General Admission to the public, there continues to be a special VIP package available to those fans and businesses seeking to entertain their corporate executives in an atmosphere a level above the General Admission program.

All VIP guests, in addition to receiving Credentials for entry into the Wet Pits, Dry Pits and Racer Parties, will also enjoy the rights to a premier viewing area for the races, along with an Official Program Guide and Poster.

This exclusive viewing area, now located at the edge of the water, within yards of the racecourse, unobstructed view of the entire racing competition, and is close enough to feel the roar of the engines as the million-dollar raceboats scream by.

The VIP viewing area also features a sumptuous buffet with a well-stocked cash bar. Private bathroom facilities are also provided. Tickets for the VIP Area are $100.00 per day, or a Weekend Pass for $175.00.

" You can't beat the weather this time of year, and our crystal clear, aqua-marine water is fantastic for racing. The citizens of Marathon and the Florida Keys are looking forward to entertaining our racers and their fans for yet another fantastic event," said Mills.

The Marathon Offshore Gran Prix is presented by the Key West Investment Syndicate, Inc. Sponsors in Marathon include the Ramada Inn, Hidden Harbor Motel & Efficiencies, Coconut Cay Resort And Marina, Beachcomber Jewelers, Marathon Electric Sign & Light, Tilden's Scuba Center, and Labor Finders International, Inc.

For more information on the APBA Offshore GMC Pro Grade Series Marathon Offshore Gran Prix, visit www.apbaoffshoreracing.com, or the official website at www.keysoffshore.com.