“Smokin’ the Sound” Brings High Speed and Excitement Back to Mississippi’s Gulf Coast

MISSISSIPPI’S GULF COAST – Thrill-seeking drivers are preparing to start their engines again for the Second Annual “Smokin’ the Sound,” Mississippi’s Gulf Coast world-class powerboat races held in Biloxi, April 22-24, 2005.

Smokin’ the Sound will once again be the opening season race for the Offshore Super Series Powerboat Racing Association, and will feature several events beginning with race practice runs on Friday, April 22, followed by full course races on Saturday, and culminating with Sunday’s dramatic finale races behind Casino Row.  OSS CAT boats will speed down the straight aways at speeds up to 140 miles per hour, while other boat categories will reach 100 miles per hour.

Fans have never been closer to the action, as many ideal viewing areas are directly on the shore and atop Casino Row parking garages along the panoramic 6-mile race course.  The virtual “stadium seating” for Smokin’ the Sound distinguishes it from other race venues.

“Because of the help and interest of the Governor’s office and state and local tourism, last year’s inaugural Smokin’ the Sound was a huge success,” said Gene Oswalt, director.  “The speed and excitement of these powerboat races brings people from across the nation who crave the thundering engines and adrenaline of racing.”

History was made in 2004, when OSS opened its spectacular racing season on the Mississippi Sound.  Fifteen thousand visitors gathered along the shore during several days of thrilling races.

“Smokin’ the Sound is yet another exceptional family event that differentiates Mississippi’s Gulf Coast from similar destinations,” said Steve Richer, executive director of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau.  “Of course, standing 50 yards away from some of the most expensive boats in the world racing at speeds over 100 miles per hour can get anyone into the excitement.”   

Additional events add to the weekend’s festivity.  Confederate Memorial Day at Beauvoir, the Jefferson Davis Home and Presidential Library, will be celebrated with a traditional southern picnic and ceremony.  The 2005 Home and Garden Show will be open at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center, and the Celebrate Ocean Springs Festival/Trade Days will present music, open houses among downtown businesses, a vintage car display, and an antique show and sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Fishing vessels take to the water on April 24 in anticipation of Pass Christian’s annual “Blessing of the Fleet,” and the Celebrate Ocean Springs Festival commemorates the 1699 Landing of D’Iberville at Fort Maurepas with an historical re-enactment. 

Headline evening entertainment includes “Monsters, Inc.” presented by Disney on Ice at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum from April 21-24, and Liza Minnelli at the Beau Rivage Theater on April 22 at 8 p.m.

For more information on these events and others, please contact the Mississippi Gulf Coast CVB at 888-467-4853 or visit www.gulfcoast.org.