The owner of Rogers Bros. Detailing in LaFollette, Tenn., Matt Rogers is one charming 25-year-old. He exudes positivity, ambition and plain old charisma, all which are desirable qualities for a go-fast boating event organizer to have.
Three years ago, Rogers began producing the Rocky Top Power Run on Tennessee’s Norris Lake, and the event has been on a strong trajectory ever since. Registration for the Rocky Top affair, which returns August 6-8, opened yesterday. Rogers is already energized to produce the fourth annual happening based out of the Stardust Marina.
“During the past three years, this event has grown beyond what we could have imagined and with that growth comes even more opportunity for the businesses and brands that help make it possible,” he explained. “Sponsorship registration also officially opened Saturday and we’re especially excited about what we’re able to offer sponsors this year from a marketing standpoint. Our goal has always been to create a platform that brings the boating community directly to our sponsors—giving them real visibility and connection with people who support their businesses.
“While getting high-performance boaters together on Norris Lake is always the highlight, showcasing the incredible businesses that support the run has become just as important,” he continued. “This year the event will kick off on Thursday with an early-bird tie-up, giving everyone a chance to start the weekend together right on the water. We loved the street party concept last year and the chance to show off our community, but with only three days to enjoy the lake we want participants to have more time doing what they came for: running the lake, exploring the coves, and visiting our lake’s 20-plus marinas. As always, the weekend will feature our signature run with five official marina stops to play—or 10 if you want to complete the entire route.”
No fool, Rogers knew he had incorporate a charitable aspect in his event from the start.
“The 2026 run will once again benefit two incredible causes—Care Camps, which provides specialized summer camp experiences for children with cancer, and the Goodboy Vodka Foundation, supporting the Campbell County Animal Center right here in our community,” he said. “Last year, thanks to the generosity of participants and sponsors, we raised over $15,000, and over 12 shelter dogs—including a whole litter of puppies and their mom—were adopted right at the event. These are causes we’re proud to continue supporting as the run grows each year.”