08/10/2026
La Porte County Convention and Visitors Bureau and As the Prop Turns Announce Strategic Partnership to Strengthen Offshore Racing Through 2027
Now is the time to unite the industry!
MICHIGAN CITY, IN - The La Porte County Convention and Visitors Bureau (LCCVB), founder and lead organization of the XINSURANCE Great Lakes Grand Prix, and As the Prop Turns are proud to announce a strategic media partnership that will extend through the remainder of the 2026 offshore racing season and continue throughout 2027.
More than a media collaboration, this partnership reflects a shared commitment to celebrating offshore powerboat racing while fostering greater unity among racers, teams, fans, sponsors, race organizations, promoters, volunteers, and sanctioning bodies.
As the visionary organization behind the XINSURANCE Great Lakes Grand Prix, the La Porte County Convention and Visitors Bureau has transformed Michigan City, Indiana into one of North America’s premier offshore racing destinations. Working alongside the City of Michigan City, dedicated volunteers, local businesses, and thousands of passionate fans, LCCVB has built an event recognized for world-class competition, exceptional hospitality, and significant economic impact throughout La Porte County.
As The Prop Turns was founded with a simple mission: to tell the stories of the people behind the helmets and bring the offshore racing community together. Through exclusive interviews, race coverage, behind-the-scenes features, documentaries, and live broadcasts, the platform has earned a reputation as one of the sport’s most trusted and authentic media voices.
“Our goal has never been to focus on what separates offshore racing,” said Amber and Chris McElwee, founders of As the Prop Turns. “Our mission is to celebrate what brings the community together. Racers don’t care what banner is flying over the racecourse—they want to compete, support one another, and help grow the sport they love. Partnering with the La Porte County Convention and Visitors Bureau and the XINSURANCE Great Lakes Grand Prix reflects that same vision.”
Through the remainder of the 2026 season and into 2027, As the Prop Turns will provide expanded multimedia coverage promoting the XINSURANCE Great Lakes Grand Prix while showcasing Michigan City and La Porte County Indiana as a premier tourism destination. Coverage will include event promotion, live interviews, racer profiles, feature stories, behind-the-scenes content, social media campaigns, and year-round storytelling highlighting the people, businesses, and attractions that make the region unique.
Jack Arnett, CEO and Dan Bearss, Executive Director of the La Porte County Convention and Visitors Bureau, welcomed the partnership.
“Since founding the XINSURANCE Great Lakes Grand Prix, our vision has been to create more than a race—we’ve worked to build an event that strengthens our community, showcases Michigan City and La Porte County, and advances the sport of offshore racing. Now is the time to unite behind one sanctioning body and one set of rules! Jack Arnett said.
“As the Prop Turns shares that commitment to telling meaningful stories and bringing people together. We’re excited to partner with them to elevate the XINSURANCE Great Lakes Grand Prix while continuing to grow Michigan City’s reputation as one of the premier destinations in offshore racing,” Dan Bearss said.
Both organizations believe the future of offshore racing is built on collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to growing the sport by connecting racers, organizations, communities, sponsors, and fans under a common vision. The partnership seeks to honor offshore racing’s rich tradition while helping shape its next era of growth.
The partnership will deliver meaningful benefits across the offshore racing community:
For racers: Expanded exposure and year-round storytelling.
For fans: Greater access through exclusive content and behind-the-scenes coverage.
For sponsors: Increased visibility across multiple media platforms.
For Michigan City and La Porte County: Enhanced promotion as a premier tourism destination and host of one of offshore racing’s marquee events.
For the sport: A collaborative approach that strengthens the offshore racing community and supports its long-term success.
The La Porte County Convention and Visitors Bureau and As the Prop Turns invite the entire offshore racing community to join them as they work together to celebrate the sport, support its participants, and build an even stronger future.
