P1's Thunder on Cocoa Beach 2024

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It's that time of year for what is sometimes the best true Offshore Water race of the season! Great course, great beach areas for viewing, nice VIP area, and nice large pits with ample close parking.

The 15th Annual Thunder On Cocoa Beach, presented by Powerboat P1 and sponsored by KelTec, takes place May 16-19 and promises exhilarating powerboat racing off the Atlantic Coast of Florida. Net proceeds raised from this year’s event benefit “I AM A FREEDOM FIGHTER” a non-profit that empowers organizations that prevent, identify, rehabilitate, and support survivors of human trafficking by raising money for them, and providing training for the community.

The weekend begins on Friday with a parade down A1A followed by a Downtown Block Party showcasing plenty of powerboats on display, food, drinks, and live music. High-speed racing will take place on Saturday and Sunday with over 60 race teams competing for the checkered flag and the Class 1 boats reaching speeds of up to 160 mph. The best viewing area is between Shepard Park and Coconuts on The Beach. Throughout the weekend race teams from around the world will be on display in the Port Canaveral parking lot, which is open and free to the public.

New to the event this year is an elevated VIP Viewing experience on the beach at the Start/Finish Line at Lori Wilson Park and the Class 1 Experience. This year’s VIP viewing experience offers upgraded amenities for guests, a live stream of all the race action, expanded seating options, and enhanced dining and beverage selections with a cashless experience making purchases on the beach a breeze. Corporate hospitality tents will also be available.

The Class 1 Experience will provide race fans with a true behind-the-scenes tour of the biggest and fastest powerboats on the water. It includes private access to parties, events, private tours, team meet & greets, and ultra-premium race viewing on both race days. Christy Masters, Hospitality Director shared, “Our aim is to create a memorable experience for race fans and attract more people to this thrilling sport.”

Last year Thunder On Cocoa Beach generated an estimated $12 Million in economic impact. Race Chairman Kerry Bartlet shared, “Our race site has grown significantly over the years making Cocoa Beach a premier race site on the schedule and a destination event for both race teams and race fans.”

Major Sponsors for the event include Visit Space Coast. For tickets and more information visit: thunderoncocoabeach.com

Thunder on Cocoa Beach is the season opener for Powerboat P1’s 2024 season which receives both national and international television coverage, including Bally Sports regional sports networks. Future races include Lake of the Ozarks, MO (May 29- June 1), Sheboygan, WI (August 9-11), Sarasota, FL
(Sept. 13-15), and St. Petersburg, FL (Oct. 18-20). For more information visit: P1offshore.com and Class1world.com

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A teaser from 2022

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The live stream for Thunder On Cocoa Beach is planned to be broadcasted on P1Offshore Facebook page and P1 Offshore You Tube

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Thunder on Cocoa Beach Offshore Powerboat Race Festivities Set May 16-19, Enjoy All-New VIP Experience
By Space Coast Daily

ENJOY FOUR DAYS AND NIGHTS OF PARTIES AND LOTS OF RACING ACTION!

BREVARD COUNTY • COCOA BEACH, FLORIDA – Thunder on Cocoa Beach offshore powerboat races will return for its 15th year on Florida’s Space Coast, scheduled from May 16 to May 19 and includes four days and nights of parties and lots of racing action.

The Space Coast Super Boat Grand Prix is one of the most popular attractions for the whole family in Central Florida and draws the top race teams in the World to compete in various classes with Class 1 reaching speeds over 175 mph.

In addition to soaking up the vibe of a Powerboat P1 race filled with excitement, action and speed, spectators can also take in the atmosphere of the East Coast’s surfing capital.

Due to its warm weather, steady waves and world-class surf shops, Cocoa Beach welcomes around 2.5 million visitors each year, making it a top tourist destination. Once the racing is over, The Cover will be a popular destination, with Fish Lips Waterfront Bar & Grill on everyone’s list.

Class 1 is the premier class of offshore powerboat racing in the world and is considered to be one of the most spectacular marine motorsports.

A Class 1 race boat has twin inboard 1100 horse power engines. Each boat has a two-man crew: the driver and throttleman. They work closely with their pit crews to decide the race set-up: the type of propeller required for the conditions, gear ration settings, the amount of fuel needed and race tactics.

For tickets go to ThunderOnCocoaBeach.com

All-New VIP Experience

A great race day experience is available for the biggest race fans as 2024 will usher in an all-new VIP experience for Thunder on Cocoa Beach fans.

Thunder on Cocoa Beach race officials said this year it’s all about where to be on Saturday and Sunday for race days.

“We have completely upgraded our VIP experience to offer a better experience and to enhance how and where you watch the race. You have more options for seating, dining and drinking for two fantastic days of racing – we’ve even included an option to pre-pay for VIP parking at Lori Wilson Park.”

For 2024, the only location for beach chalets is at the start/finish line located at Lori Wilson Park; there will not be chalets on the turns. For viewing options this year, you can choose from a VIP chalet ticket, a two-person lounger with umbrella ticket or amp up your weekend in one of our private cabanas.

For tickets go to ThunderOnCocoaBeach.com

PRIVATE CABANA: Sit in the middle of the action in your own private cabana. The two-person private cabana comes with two canvas loungers, a cocktail table, UV cabana shade, dedicated food/drink server, towel service, two drink tokens and a plate of food for each person. For tickets go to ThunderOnCocoaBeach.com
VIP CHALET: The Thunder on Cocoa Beach VIP Chalet is getting a makeover. It will feature a dining area and cozy VIP lounge spaces. Sit and watch the race on LIVE TV in total comfort under our large, shaded tent and enjoy a complimentary buffet and two drink tickets. A cash bar will also be available.

TWO-PERSON LOUNGER WITH UMBRELLA: The two-person lounger chair set up with umbrella gives you a dedicated spot to watch the race without having to lug your own chairs and umbrellas. Each setup accommodates two people and includes table service. These tickets include access to the VIP Chalet and all the perks that accompany the VIP Chalet ticket.

PRIVATE CABANA: Sit in the middle of the action in your own private cabana. The two-person private cabana comes with two canvas loungers, a cocktail table, UV cabana shade, dedicated food/drink server, towel service, two drink tokens and a plate of food for each person. Got friends? You can add two more people to your cabana for an upgrade charge. Cabanas also include access to the VIP Chalet and all the perks that come with it.

PARKING: Parking is not included in the price of your ticket, but it can be added to your experience. This year VIP parking passes will be sold ahead of race day and are only valid with a TOCB VIP ticket.

There is a new location for Thursday night’s High Octane Kick-off Party. You can join the race directors, racers and other fans to celebrate the upcoming weekend’s races in the parking lot behind Sandbar Sports Grill and Twisted Tides.

As always, the race boats will parade down A1A on Friday afternoon at around 4 p.m. headed to the Thunder on Cocoa Beach Block Party located in the streets of downtown Cocoa Beach.

For tickets go to ThunderOnCocoaBeach.com

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Thursday, May 16 – 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.: High Octane Kick-Off Party behind Sandbar & Twisted Tides ; 10 p.m. – Thunder on Cocoa Beach After Party brought to you by Xinsurance at JT’s Social Bar, inside the Cocoa Beach La Quinta Inn.

Friday, May 17 – 9 a.m, to 5 p.m .: Registration and Inspection, Race Village-Racer Village, Flounder Drive; 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. – Boat Parade, boats leaving from the ]ort between 4 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to park in downtown Cocoa Beach; 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thunder on Cocoa Beach Block Party in Downtown Cocoa Beach and meet the racers; 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Coconuts on the Beach VIP party; 10 p.m., Thunder on Cocoa Beach After Party brought to you by Xinsurance at JT’s Social Bar, inside the Cocoa Beach La Quinta Inn.

Saturday, May 18 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., VIP Experience Start/Finish Line at Lori Wilson Park; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Power Boats in Dry Pits, Race Village Flounder Drive; 10 p.m., Thunder on Cocoa Beach After Party brought to you by Xinsurance at JT’s Social Bar, inside the Cocoa Beach La Quinta Inn.

Sunday, May 19 – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Launching at Scorpion Marine; 10 a.m.to. 4 p.m., Power Boats in Dry Pits at Race Village on Flounder Drive; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., VIP Experience Start/Finish Line at Lori Wilson Park; 10 a.m., Start of first race; 6 p.m., Awards Presentation; 10 p.m., Thunder on Cocoa Beach After Party brought to you by Xinsurance at JT’s Social Bar, inside the Cocoa Beach La Quinta Inn.

For tickets go to ThunderOnCocoaBeach.com

https://spacecoastdaily.com/2024/05/...-experience-2/

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About the Charity

I AM A FREEDOM FIGHTER
I am a Freedom Fighter is the official 501(c)3 charity of this year’s Thunder on Cocoa Beach, a local non profit organization founded by Jenny Pruett. Pruett has been a long time supporter of Thunder on Cocoa Beach as a local sponsor through her former restaurant, Juice ‘n Java Cafe. She now focuses full time on her passion to help fight human trafficking in her local community and around the world.

A MESSAGE FROM JENNY
What I find most disturbing about sexual trafficking is the perception that it only happens in other countries, while we remain ignorant to the second largest trafficking business in the world, only after drugs and illegal arms and it’s happening NOW in our communities. A staggering percentage of children today, tragically have a past of sexual abuse, making it far more likely for them to be trafficked. We can choose not to blend together with this culture that we’ve accepted as normal. This rapidly growing business grips its victims into depths of fear and addictions. It is a vicious cycle of entrapment, degradation & devaluation of human life and loss of self worth; human slavery.

Human trafficking continues to be on the rise not only in Florida, but in the US and globally. According to the 2022 Polaris report, the internet continues to be the top recruitment method. The awareness of this continues to be the top priority for the Freedom Fighter organization. We need to educate as many people as possible to the massive humanitarian crisis that we face today and enlist as many as possible in the army. There is a place for everyone. “Do what you can with all you have, wherever you are." -- Theodore Roosevelt

I started the Freedom Fighter Movement to support the idea of abolishing a trade where people are sold for sex, educate the masses to the scope of the problem and to bring light to the victims. The Freedom Fighter Movement will hopefully spark something deep inside all of us to carry a message of hope to those who need to hear it…. that all human life is precious and worthy of love.

100% of the profits from all Freedom Fighter Coffee and Merchandise goes directly to fighting human trafficking.

Together we are powerful.
~ Jenny Pruett
Freedom Fighter, Founder & CEO

“Do what you can with all you have, wherever you are." -- Theodore Roosevelt

#FreedomFighter #JoinTheMovement #IAmAFreedomFighter.

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Looks like Afternoon Storms......They should bump those Races to earlier start.....Specially on Sunday....

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Qualifying was tight in Cocoa Class 1.

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