For those with a need for speed, Lake Cumberland is the place to be this weekend as Offshore Super Series Powerboat Racing Association makes its Kentucky debut with the Lake Cumberland Grand Prix, May 15-17, at Halcomb's Landing adjacent to Wolf Creek Dam on US 127 just south of Jamestown.

"Not only will the Grand Prix be entertaining," said event organizer, Hilda Legg, "What a way to tell the world Lake Cumberland is vibrant and open for business as always!"

Legg said Fans' Free Friday will kick off the festivities with free entry to Race Village, located at Halcomb's Landing and give fans the opportunity to participate in opening ceremonies.

"We're very excited to bring the fans this first night for free," says event organizer Hilda Legg.  "We want to invite everyone out to meet the drivers, take pictures and get autographs and check out the race course before the race-day crowds arrive."

Opening ceremony events include a blessing of the fleet, a chance to meet the drivers and check out their boats up close, and the first ever Miss Lake Cumberland Grand Prix scholarship pageant Legg said.

After the opening ceremony, fans are invited to the Welcome OSS party at Race Village featuring local musical entertainment she said.

Racing gets into full swing on Saturday, May 16 with several classes competing including a local-entry Pro-Am race.

Entry to Race Village May 16 and 17 will require a fee of $10.00 per day for adults, $5.00 per day for children age 7-12 and no cost for children age 6 and under.

Fans may also bring their boats to view the races from the water.

"There will be an area on the water for boats to pull up and water taxis will be provided to bring spectators back and forth to Race Village," said Legg.

On Sunday, May 17, the main event of this high powered, adrenaline filled weekend begins at 11:30 a.m. CST as racing gets underway with the first Cat Lite heat. Cat 750, Cat 850 and Unlimited Offshore classes follow, with races continuing into the afternoon.

While the actual racing features speeds of nearly 200 mph, boats flying through the air in choppy water and helicopters buzzing overhead carrying camera crews and rescue teams on a six-mile course featuring seven turns, there will also be plenty of action on the shore during the weekend event.

Between races at Race Village spectators can get a closer look at the boats and meet the drivers, their throttle men and teams.  They can ask for an autograph, have their kids sit in the boats and pose for pictures and check out various vendors and merchandise.  

"OSS has worked very hard to make this a true family-friendly event," says OSS President Ron Polli.  "Our drivers love meeting and talking to fans and giving them an opportunity to experience the racing action up-close."

Spectators should bring their radios to catch all the action as local radio stations broadcast the races live said Polli.

An awards ceremony at 6:30 p.m. CST at Race Village will conclude Lake Cumberland Grand Prix.

Race Village will be open Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. CST and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST.

Parking with shuttle service to and from Race Village will be available at the Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery, just across from Halcomb's Landing.

The ramp at Halcomb's Landing will be closed May 14, at 6:00 p.m. CST through May 17, at 8:00 p.m. CST.

Boaters wishing to load in should use the ramps located at Lake Cumberland State Resort Park and Rowena Landing. Shuttle service will be available at both ramps, during daylight hours, if offsite parking is needed.

To learn more about what to expect on race days or find out about the races and classes, visit www.lakecumberlandgrandprix.com.