Midwest Challenge Sheboygan 2025: High-Speed Thrills, Rough Waters, and a Party That Wouldn’t Quit
Sheboygan’s lakefront roared to life this past weekend as the Midwest Challenge Sheboygan 2025 brought world-class offshore racing, a colorful boat parade, and an atmosphere that mixed adrenaline with small-town charm. From test runs to block parties, SheboyganLife was there for every moment — and we’ve got the full 30-minute video packed with racer interviews, behind-the-scenes access, and race-day action.
From GoPro to Podium Dreams
Our coverage kicked off with the 2024 World Champion DeFalco Racing Team and owner/driver Billy Moore as they prepped for a test run on choppy Lake Michigan waters. GoPro securely mounted, we caught every spray of water as the crew pushed their boat to the limits in ideal winds but heavy chop.
We also caught up with Scott, throttleman for Mom Ain’t Happy, who shared his excitement for the weekend despite forecasts for rougher-than-usual conditions. His team was scheduled for the 4 p.m. race on Saturday — one of 14 boats competing — and he gave shoutouts to sponsors, crew, friends, and the 30–50 supporters who made the trip to Sheboygan.
Fans, Merch, and First-Time Visitors
The event wasn’t just about racing — it was about community. Vendors lined the waterfront with everything from custom t-shirts to handcrafted birdhouses. First-time visitors to Sheboygan raved about the city, and conversations drifted from favorite race stops like New Orleans and Cocoa Beach to big plans for finishing the Triple Crown in St. Pete. This year also featured jet ski racing and the first-ever female driver in the P1 Powerboat Challenge, showing how the sport continues to evolve.
Weather Delays and Safety First
Mother Nature made her presence felt. Strong chop on Saturday forced the cancellation of all races by mid-afternoon, with thunderstorms rolling in right on schedule. Sunday brought heavy fog that came and went in waves, making visibility unpredictable. While the fog eventually lifted enough to start a race, safety officials threw the red flag after just 10 minutes, ending the action early. Racers and fans alike agreed — safety comes first.
When the Races Stop, the Party Starts
The weather may have cut the competition short, but the celebrations rolled on. Big Mike’s, a longtime local favorite, hosted a block party complete with live music, karaoke, and birthday festivities for Rachel’s 50th. Racers, crews, and fans mingled late into the night, swapping stories and toasting to another year of Midwest Challenge memories.
Looking Ahead
Billy Moore and the DeFalco team now set their sights on St. Pete, hoping to clinch the Triple Crown title. As for Sheboygan, this year’s Midwest Challenge proved once again why it’s a must-stop on the P1 circuit — even when the weather doesn’t cooperate, the community spirit and excitement never fade.
Watch the Full Video
Relive the weekend with SheboyganLife’s exclusive 30-minute video featuring interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and the boat parade in all its glory.
