Cocoa Beach’s Premier Powerboat Event Gets Supercharged by Leading Firearm Innovator
Thunder on Cocoa Beach Rings in KelTec as Title Sponsor for 2025
Get ready for a weekend of blistering speed, ocean breeze, and a splash of American ingenuity because Thunder on Cocoa Beach has teamed up with KelTec—yes, the same innovators behind top‑tier firearms—to become the headline sponsor for the 2025 races.
What’s the Deal?
- Dates: May 15 – 18, 2025
- Location: Florida’s Space Coast, Brevard County
- Racing Vibe: High‑speed offshore powerboat action with a side of community celebration.
Why This Matters
Since 2017, KelTec has been an essential supporter of Thunder on Cocoa Beach. Now, as the official title sponsor, they’re stepping up the game—blending performance, precision, and passion in a partnership that’s as intense as a boat slicing through waves.
Words from the League
Kerry Bartlett, Executive Director of Thunder on Cocoa Beach, shares the excitement: “Partnering with KelTec feels like a natural fit. Both offshore racing and KelTec are rooted in American ingenuity, cutting‑edge tech, and a commitment to excellence. We’re thrilled to have them on board as title sponsor as we kick off what promises to be our biggest year yet.”
The KelTec Legacy
Founded in 1991 by George Kellgren in Cocoa, Florida, KelTec has grown into one of America’s top five handgun manufacturers—and a heavyweight on the global stage. Their mission? Strongly support the individual right to keep and bear arms, as penned in the Second Amendment.
With KelTec’s backing, the KelTec Thunder on Cocoa Beach promises to deliver more thrills, better fan experiences, and a larger community celebration than ever before. Hold onto your hats, because the boats are about to hit the water—and the waves are about to get wild.
KelTec Joins the Thunder on Cocoa Beach: A Coastal Celebration of Speed and Community
Down in sunny Cocoa, a Florida library of phosphate and pine trees, KelTec has been a dependable pillar for the local economy and a champion for community projects for years. Their knack for innovation and home‑grown engineering aligns perfectly with the upcoming event that’s all about speed, power, and throwing a big beach party into the mix.
“Thrilling Times Ahead!” – Derek Kellgren, Managing Director
Derek Kellgren gushes, “We’re proud to back an event that puts Cocoa Beach onto the national map.” He adds, “Thunder on Cocoa Beach draws thrill‑seekers, families, and racing fans from far and wide—many of whom share our passion for high octane fun. It’s a golden chance to give back to our community and connect with them on a massive scale.”
What to Expect in 2025
- Four days of world‑class racing that will leave spectators gasping for more.
- Engaging fan events—interactive rides, photo ops, and unforgettable beachside vibes.
- Meet‑and‑greet sessions with the race teams, complete with autograph swaps and secrets of the track.
- Vibrant beach entertainment that turns the sand into a stage for music, food, and endless smiles.
With KelTec in the mix, 2025 is set to be the best year yet for offshore racing on Cocoa Beach—big cheers, bigger engines, and a whole lot of community cheer.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
MAY 15 2025 (THURSDAY)
6‑10 PM: High‑Octane Kick‑Off Party at Cocoa Beach
Get ready for an electrifying start to the night behind the iconic Sandbar. Expect:
- Live DJ spinning tracks that’ll make the sand vibrate
- Island‑style drinks & refreshing cocktails
- Fun games, beach bonfires, and instant photo ops
10 PM – Midnight: Thunder on Cocoa Beach After‑Party (TBD)
Raise the roof after the main event with a mysterious after‑party that’s still flying under the radar. Stay tuned for:
- Unexpected guest performances
- Dance‑floor magic guaranteed to blow your mind
- Cleveland’s secret beach cocktails for the ultimate “wow” factor
Mark your calendars, bring your beach vibes, and join us for a night that’s sure to leave you talking for weeks!
MAY 16 2025 (FRIDAY)
Wednesday After‑Party Rundown
Here’s how the day will unfold in a relaxed, street‑style spotlight: get ready to ride the wave of fun!
Morning Set‑Up & Race Village
- 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. — Registration plus inspection at Race Village / Racer Village on Flounder Dr.
Tip: Arrive early to snag a spot and make friends with the crew.
Boat Shuttling Away
- 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. — Boats gear up to head from Port Canaveral to Downtown Cocoa Beach.
Leave your seasickness worries behind; the trip’s smooth as a calm tide.
Thunder on Cocoa Beach Downtown
- 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. — Hit the neon‑lit streets for a high‑energy street party.
Dress up, dance, and let the night sky be your soundtrack.
After‑Party Finale
- 10:00 p.m. – Close of Night — The after‑party swirls on.
Keep the good vibes flowing long into the sandy midnight hour.
Grab your crew, lock in the schedule, and let the adventure begin!
MAY 17 2025 (SATURDAY)
Here’s Your Ultimate Day‑Long Get‑Down at Cocoa Beach
Welcome aboard the schedule that’s packed with waves, raiders, and a night‑time epiphany!
Morning Rush – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- VIP Experience Start/Finish Line – Lori Wilson Park (Beach Side): Kick off the day with an exclusive ride that’ll have you feeling like a celebrity surfer as you pass the start‑line and don’t miss the splash‑friendly finish line. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Afternoon Thrills – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Power Boats in Dry Pits – Race Village, Flounder Dr.: Got a taste for power? 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. is your chance to rev up those machines on dry land while soaking up the citrus olfactory breeze.
Night‑O‑Clock Bonanza – 10 p.m. to Midnight
- Thunder on Cocoa Beach After Party: After the sun’s set and the sky turns gold, it’s time to let loose. 10 p.m. – till the last beat, get ready for thunderous music, cocktails on the coasts, and a wild party that logs an after‑party that’s hotter than a sand‑lava flow.
Nothing in this lineup says “just another day” – it screams adventure. Pack your sunscreen, buckle preparation gears, and let’s make this a beach day for the books!
MAY 18, 2025 (SUNDAY)
Scorpion Marine Launch & Racing Day
Morning Spark & the Big Splash
- 9 AM – 4 PM – Official launch of Scorpion Marine. Grab your sunglasses, folks! The scenery is so bright, you’ll need a sunscreen‑powered drone to keep track of the boat.
- 10 AM – 4 PM – The “Power Boats in Dry Pits” showdown at Race Village Flounder Dr. It’s a wet‑with‑dry sizzle, folks. Bring your water‑proof shoes.
- 10 AM – 4 PM – VIP experience at the Start/Finish line, Lori Wilson Park (Beach Side). Make yourself a napkin‑sized zoom‑in on the action. Click here for tickets.
Race Time
- 10 AM – The first race kicks off! The boats are ready, the crowd is talking, and somewhere a seagull is planning its own headline. Who will win? Find out!
Evening Wrap‑up
- 6 PM – Awards ceremony. Winners get trophies bigger than their own egos. Pineapple-shaped plaques at that.
- 10 PM – Closing – Thunder on Cocoa Beach After‑Party (TBD). It’s a sea‑tide of music, mojitos, and midnight fireworks that will make you wonder why you ever thought quitting the beach scene was a good idea.
All the Schedules, VIP Tickets, & More
Need the full lineup or want to buy a VIP pass? This schedule’s your new fan‑fiction guide. CLICK HERE for race schedules, VIP tickets, and all the juicy details.
Hot Off the Press! April 14, 2025
Space Coast Daily News – Brevard County’s Best Newspaper
New Issue, New Edge
Picture this: the local coffee shop line, the kids playing in the park, and everyone paging through the latest edition of Space Coast Daily News—all freshly printed, fresh‑ink, and ready to soak up the sunshine of 2025. That’s exactly what our April 14 edition delivers: future‑forward stories, heartfelt community spots, and a dash of humor to keep those brains ticking.
Why This Issue Stands Out
- Sky‑High Coverage – From launch schedules at Cape Canaveral to the newest hobby rocket club, we’re mapping the cosmos right up to your doorstep.
- Local Flavor – Insightful interviews with the town’s unsung heroes: the mason who repairs the old pier, the librarian who runs a midnight reading club, and the tech startup that’s turning algae into bio‑fuel.
- Laugh Lines – A lighthearted look at the mayor’s attempt at a “free donut” policy that completely backfired.
- Interactive Features – QR codes summarizing 144‑year‑old to 3‑hour‑old local history in a single swipe.
Community Spotlight
It’s not just about rockets and duck‑flaps. This edition shines a spotlight on the Sunnyvale Community Garden, whose vegetables are now being grown in the same air tank used by the Space Coast satellite module. “It’s a new way to grow food,” says volunteer Maria G., “and a great way to promote green tech while feeding people.”
Reader Challenges
Feeling adventurous? Check out our “Star‑Search Challenge” – locate the meteorites on the map that were reportedly spotted above the cape last night, and win a one‑on‑one meet with an astronaut from the next launch.
We’re pulling prying‑open the page of tomorrow’s headlines, so grab a copy. Whether you’re a science whiz, a community lover, or just looking for a good cup of coffee, the Space Coast Daily can’t wait to share its stellar content with you.
Thanks for reading! Our readers tell us: “The headlines are clever, the jokes spot on, and a piece of our city feels right in every paragraph.” Keep an eye on April 14— it’s the buzz that fuels the coast’s future. Enjoy!