IT'S RACE WEEK! Thunder on Cocoa Beach Offshore Powerboat Race Festivities Start Today - Space Coast Daily (2024)

Enjoy four days and nights of parties and lots of racing action!

It’s Race Week! Don’t miss any of the pre-race party events. You do not have to be a VIP ticket holder to attend these parties—they are open to the public! Tonight High Octane Kickoff Party behind Sandbar Sports Grill – Cocoa Beach Friday night’s Thunder on Cocoa Beach Block Party (in downtown Cocoa Beach) and the Racers’ Welcome Party at Coconuts On the Beach and the official Thunder on Cocoa Beach After Party each night at JT’s Social Bar.

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

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 co*cktail 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