Stone Lake drew in a lively crowd as the AquaX Aquacross Grand Prix took over La Porte, with attendees eager to watch the national championship. The event showcased the world's top Jet Ski riders in thrilling, fast-paced competitions, including both endurance and sprint races.
AquaX racing, also known as Aquacross, is known for its challenging courses and demanding conditions; it attracts the top athletes from around the world. These riders are skilled in endurance, maneuvering around buoys and markers at high speeds. AquaX has rapidly become a premier event, drawing excitement and activity to LakeFest.
"You get to see every turn, and you get to see everybody come out of the water instead of waiting for the pictures to come out.” Scott Miller, AquaX Race Director for Visit Michigan City LaPorte shared. “The lake has a little bit of chop right now, so these guys can get a little bit more airborne. I know it takes a little more effort out of them, but it's exciting for everybody else."
The course on Stone Lake is tighter compared to the larger layout possible on Lake Michigan, making the race feel more "cozy" according to Miller. Despite the smaller course, riders can reach speeds of up to 80 mph on straightaways and about 46-47 mph on turns.
Michelle Petro, director of operations at Powerboat P1 – the organization that organizes AquaX – praised La Porte for being welcoming and well-organized, noting that the event has attracted a record number of entries and different classes of riders.
“La porte is always very friendly. They roll out the red carpet for us and the racers love coming here,” said Petro. “They absolutely love coming up here because of the welcome that they get, and it's just a refreshing, different vibe.”
The enthusiasm for the event is heightened by the shorter summer season, making it special for La Porte compared to places where water sports are common year-round.
“It's different up here because you have a winter, so the summer months are shorter. I think that may be a part of the difference in culture up here compared to Florida. Seeing something like this might be a little more unusual, more of a novelty,” Petro said.
La Porte first hosted the AquaX Grand Prix in 2021, and it was quickly established as the event of the summer. Riders have noted the unique stillness of Stone Lake compared to the rougher waters of the Atlantic Ocean, such as those in Daytona and Kissimmee. The freshwater has made La Porte a favorite destination among both riders and organizers, given that most AquaX race weekends are hosted on ocean beaches in Florida. The freshwater of Lake Michigan and the welcoming Midwestern community offer a distinct dynamic both on and off the course.
The riders will take to the water from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Some of the competitors participating this year include Eric Francis, the current world champion, and Brian Baldwin, a seasoned racer recognized for consistency and skill. Other noteworthy racers include Sophie Francis, a top female competitor, and Chris MacClugage, a veteran in the sport with numerous titles to his name.
The action at Stone Lake continues on Sunday at 10 a.m, with food trucks and a beer garden along with music and activities lasting through to 11 p.m. Fiesta del Lago will also be performing live at the Dennis F. Smith Amphitheater starting at 12 p.m. Sunday.
To learn more, visit https://michigancitylaporte.com/