NGK-Formula-One-PBC-2020PR

NGK F1 Powerboat Championship 2020 Season Re-Scheduled for 2021

Dear Teams and Fans,
I hope this finds you and your families healthy and safe. As we continue moving forward in these unprecedented times the challenges for 2020 are ever present. The COVID 19 pandemic has changed all our lives along with the entire world creating a new mind set for all of us to adhere to. Our beloved sport of powerboat racing, like many other sports, has been tremendously affected along the way from our operations and procedures to our schedule, all of which were carefully prepared long in advance of the season. Over the last several months, the series along with our organizing partners have been working tirelessly with state, city, and local authorities formulating plans attempting to overcome 2020’s obstacles. We appreciate all the efforts put forth in finding a solid solution in this fluid landscape, unfortunately to no avail.

It saddens us to report that the Pittsburgh Three Rivers Regatta, and the Roar of the Rockies have both been rescheduled for 2021. “Due to health and safety concerns surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic, the Pittsburgh Three Rivers Regatta showcasing Formula 1 racing is rescheduled until 2021. Look for an official announcement with detailed plans and sponsorships to be released in early August – 2020,” from Elias Savion Advertising. John Jensen sent this statement, “ I wanted to let you know that after some exhaustive conversations with Amie, Martin and our local race sponsors we have decided, with much regret, to postpone the 2020 Roar of the Rockies-Revved Up to 2021. We feel that with the uncertainty of the Covid-19 situation and the restrictions on maximum numbers for gatherings in the state of Colorado it is not feasible to continue plans for this year’s event. We had received very positive feedback from partners, sponsors, and fans regarding the 2019 race and we were anticipating an even larger turn out for 2020. The Windsor community is very proud to be a stop on the NGKF1 Championship Tour and we will be looking forward to bringing the teams to this area for years to come. Fans will be ready for the race to return next summer and we will be moving forward with intentions of making 2021 an event for the decade.” Dana Potts promotor of the Springfield Ohio Wake the Lake event provided us with this following information, “We’re all disappointed that the NGK F1 Series Championship won’t be contested in 2020, but we do totally understand and support the decision.” He continues, “We at Champions Park Lake are moving forward on our race this Aug. 8-9, 2020.” The race will be produced locally without any association to the series but they look forward to 2021 and returning to a normal schedule.

The difficult decision to reset the series season to the 2021 calendar year as the result of the unfortunate circumstances that are out of our control. Knowing the tremendous efforts by the series staff, promoting partners, sponsors, and teams preparing for this season will not go without merit. We have not taken this heartfelt decision lightly, after consoling with our partners we have no other choice considering our events status. “Given the uncertainty surrounding the continuing spread of COVID-19, we respect and support the NGK F1 Powerboat Championship’s decision to cancel the 2020 racing season,” stated Beth Skove – General Manager Marketing at NGK Spark Plugs. “We realize that the decision was made in the best interest of the racers, their fans and the communities in which they compete. We look forward to an exciting series in the 2021 season and look forward to racing on the water again.” Frank Ahlbin of CDI Electronics said, “Taking a year off on the series is not a bad idea. Then come back stronger in 2021.”

As the conducting series organization of summer events in large communities throughout the United States bringing in millions of dollars to the local economies, we are committed to being the catalyst reuniting communities. Events will play a vital role in our nation’s recovery, the NGK Spark Plugs F1 Powerboat Championship along with our dedicated staff look forward to working with our sponsors, promoting partners, and teams in this quest. We have all made significant investments in resources in this endeavor and would like to express our sincere gratitude to all our loyal competitors, crews, and families for your commitment to the sport and our series. Please do not hesitate to contact us as all our communication channels remain open as early preparation for the 2021 season has already begun to continue our powerboat heritage.
Sincerely,
John Shubert & Tim Seebold