Lake Pontchartrain, LA – Al Copeland, founder of Popeye’s Famous Fried Chicken and Biscuits Restaurant chain, also made a name for himself on the nation’s waterways, racing offshore powerboats at top speeds. Known for his commitment to quality and pushing the envelope, Copeland’s passion was a contribution to keeping the sport relevant to fans and racers across the world. This weekend, Miss GEICO, the nation’s most innovative offshore race team and one of the world’s fastest, will salute Copeland and the trends he set during his time with awe-inspiring advancements and displays of today’s technology.
The Al Copeland Memorial Powerboat Races in Kenner, LA will wake up the waters off Lousiana’s shore Aug. 1-3. Miss GEICO will continue a winning season with racing and entertainment in the race village throughout the weekend. “Copeland is one of the heroes of this sport,” said John Haggin, owner of Miss GEICO Offshore Racing. “Being a part of this weekend’s festivities in tribute to his many contributions is an honor and a privilege. We give every race our all every time – we’re going to give this one even more – Al meant that much to our industry and he will not be forgotten.”
In his glory days, Copeland raced with the likes of celebrities such as Don Johnson, Kurt Russell and Chuck Norris. His recent death from Merkle Cell Carcinoma, a rare skin cancer, is still mourned by race fans. Those closest to the industry know that the best way to honor him is with a great performance.
“Al Copeland will be missed on our circuit,” said Miss GEICO Driver Marc Granet. “He was a true champion, committed to raising the bar for our competition. Miss GEICO will continue that tradition of pushing for greater heights and setting new standards. This weekend’s races will be a testament to that.”
With six “Top Gun” wins in the seven races of the season so far, Miss GEICO is set to affirm that testament with a breathtaking performance that will cement the team’s status as champion of offshore speed. Twin turbine engines, unparalleled expertise and an unending drive to be the best keeps Miss GEICO at the top of the offshore racing game.
To schedule an interview with the top team in offshore racing and learn more about how Al Copeland’s legacy will be preserved through excellence in racing, contact Mike Yowaiski at 561-685-6199.
| Thursday, July 31 |
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Race teams begin arriving in Laketown Park. |
| Party • 7-9 pm |
Landry's Seafood House
8000 Lakeshore Dr., New Orleans
Meet the racers! Enjoy great Gulf Coast-style seafood and the beautiful sunset over Lake Pontchartrain. Free admission. |
| Friday, August 1 |
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| 10 am-6 pm |
Race Village open - Come meet the racers, get autographs, shop local merchants and enjoy a children’s area. Official race merchandise and food and beverages will be available for purchase. Admission will be charged at the gate. |
| 5:30-7 pm • 7 pm-midnight |
The Al Copeland Memorial Boat Race Big Bash - To purchase tickets email cwomac@alcopeland.com or visit www.alcopelandfoundation.org |
| Saturday, August 2 |
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| 10 am-6 pm |
Race Village open - Come meet the racers, get autographs, shop local merchants and enjoy a children’s area. Official race merchandise and food and beverages will be available for purchase. Admission will be charged at the gate. |
| 10 am-6 pm |
VIP area open - Enjoy complimentary food and a cash bar. Tickets may be purchased at the gate.
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| 11 am-1:30 pm |
Boat testing on official course |
| 2 pm |
National anthem sung by Grammy Award-winning artist Irma Thomas and start of Vee Lite race. |
| 3:30-4 pm |
Final testing |
| Party • 7-9 pm |
Smitty's After Hours
2020 West Esplanade Ave., Kenner
504-468-9420
Party with the racers while feasting on some of the area's best boiled seafood. Free admission. |
| Sunday, August 3 |
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| 10 am-6 pm |
Race Village open; VIP area open |
| Noon |
F-15 fly-over by the Louisiana Air National Guard, first race begins |
| 2 pm |
Second race begins |
| 7 pm |
Awards ceremony, Radisson New Orleans Airport - Open to the public. |
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| Events and times are subject to change.) |
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| For more information, please visit Al Copeland Memorial Powerboat Race. |
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This Press release includes and is based on forward-looking information and statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes to differ. Such forward-looking information and statements are based on current expectations, estimates and historical projections about weather conditions and the performance of Miss GEICO Offshore Racing. Miss GEICO Offshore Racing undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information or statements in the press release. |
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