City of Sheboygan Announces IHRA Cancellation of Powerboat Race Activities (Aug. 8–9, 2026)
Sheboygan, WI {DATE}.
The City of Sheboygan announced July 14, 2026 that IHRA is canceling the racing portion of the Midwest Challenge Powerboat Races scheduled for August 8th and 9th.
In the City’s statement, IHRA informed the City on July 13 that it could not provide the staffing and operational support needed to safely and successfully host the event. City officials say this shortfall led IHRA to cancel the racing portion of the weekend’s activities.
{WEATHER} Heat Advisory: The National Weather Service shows a Heat Advisory in effect until 8:00 p.m. CDT today (July 15).
What’s changing for the Midwest Challenge weekend
The cancellation is specific to the powerboat races on Aug. 8–9.
Mayor Ryan Sorenson said IHRA could not provide the race operations staffing needed to safely run the boat races, and that the shortfall led to the cancellation.
What’s still happening along the lakefront
Even with the racing component canceled, the City says it is working with local partners to adjust and preserve portions of the weekend’s land-based programming.
The City named two events planned to continue:
- Friday Block Party at City Green (710 New York Avenue, Sheboygan)
- King Park Bites and Brews at General King Park (1611 S 7th St, Sheboygan)
The City also said details on modified programming—including vendor participation and shoreline events—will be announced shortly.
Plan for next steps
If you were planning around the races themselves, the City says the Aug. 8–9 racing portion will not run. For the weekend’s community events, the City says it’s still working to keep lakefront programming going, with more updates coming soon.
