TOLEDO, Ohio - The roar of Formula 1 Powerboat Racing will return to the Maumee River this summer.

ProMedica and the United Power Boat Performance Group announced Tuesday that the series will return to Toledo this summer for the first time in 15 years.

The event, called Rock the River Toledo, will bring world-class F1 powerboat racers to the Maumee at Promenade Park on Saturday, June 29, 2019 for the second stop of the 6-race NGK Spark Plugs Formula One Powerboat Championship.

“ProMedica is really excited that powerboat performance fans will get to experience a thrilling race right here in downtown Toledo along the Maumee River,” said Kathleen Merrill, vice president of Marketing Communications at ProMedica.

Opening ceremonies will being at 3pm and are free to the public. The event will feature heat races leading up to the final, along with live bands, vendors, free race pit access, driver autograph sessions, dart boats and other displays.

Defending 2004 F1 Powerboat Toledo race winner and Mercury Racing sponsored NGK F1 Powerboat Driver, Chris Fairchild, will return to Toledo at Rock the River to reclaim the fastest man on the Maumee title.

“It’s been almost 15 years since we last raced in Toledo and had the honor of winning. I’m excited about coming back and getting back on top of the podium. What ProMedica and the City of Toledo has done to the riverfront since I raced here in 2004 is amazing and just makes our job easier to put on a great show. I know myself and the racers are excited to fly around the Maumee River at 120 mph and put on the most exciting race on water,” said Fairchild.

For more on the event and the NGK F1 Powerboat series, visit www.ngkf1.com.