As of right now, 72 teams across 13 classes are registered for this weekend’s Thunder On Cocoa Beach offshore race in the Atlantic Ocean off the Central Florida Coast. With the exception of last year’s event, which saw just 30 teams compete thanks to yet another round of disastrous offshore racing politics, the Cocoa Beach affair typically attracts 50 to 60 entries. With registration for the third event of the inaugural International Hot Rod Association Offshore Series still open for the next two days, this year’s turnout is on track to blow away participation records for the what will be its 16th anniversary.
The 16th annual Thunder On Cocoa Beach event is shaping up to be a blockbuster. Photo by Pete Boden copyright Shoot 2 Thrill Pix.
“I think we’ll hit 75 to 80 teams by the time registration closes,” said Leah Martin, the president of the IHRA.
Here’s a quick look at the current weekend competition schedule:
Saturday, May 15
• 11 a.m.-1: 15 p.m.—Pro Class 1, Super Cat, Super Stock and Factory Stock qualifying.
• 1: 15 p.m-1:45 p.m.—Thundercats.
• 1: 45 p.m.-2:15 p.m.—Bracket 600 and 700.
• 2:15-3 p.m.—Bracket 400 and 500.
• 3 p.m.-3:30 p.m.—Thundercats.
• 4 p.m.-4:30 p.m.—Bracket 200, 300 and Cat 300.
• 4 p.m.-4:30 p.m.—Pro Class 1 race No. 1.
Sunday, May 16
• 10 a.m.-10:45 a.m.—Super Cat.
• 10:45 a.m.-11:30 a.m.—Mod V.
• 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m.—Thundercats.
• 12 p.m.-12:45 p.m.—Factory Stock.
• 12:45 p.m.-1:30 p.m.—Super V and Extreme.
• 1:30 p.m.-2 p.m.—Thundercats.
• 2 p.m.-2:45 p.m.—Pro Class 1 race No. 2.
• 2:45 p.m.-3:30 p.m.—Super Stock.