“Thunder On The Gulf” Cancelled

Alabama Economy Financial woes recession force organizers to cancel popular powerboat race in Orange Beach

by Pat Peterson

Published: Wed, March 18, 2009 - 4:17 pm CST Last Updated: Wed, March 18, 2009 - 4:41 pm CST

Powerboat racing fans and adrenaline junkies got some bad news this week...the 7th Annual "Thunder on the Gulf" has been cancelled. The popular venue in Orange Beach draws racing fans from across the U-S and brings in millions of dollars in local revenue. But organizers say they couldn't find adequate sponsors both locally and nationally to fund the event.

"It's part of the unfortunate events that are part of the economy," says Orange Beach city manager Ken Grimes. "Many of the boat racing teams that come in are sponsored by teams such as Budweiser, Geico, Hooters and Popeye's, all these national companies are facing the same thing, when budget cuts happen, the first thing to go is your marketing dollars, then training and travel."

The event, which is usually held in August, is a much-needed economic boost for Pleasure Island.

"Thunder on the Gulf is very important," says Grimes. "It comes at the end of our summer season before the Shrimp Festival and around Labor Day."

Local businesses are also disappointed.

"It's very upsetting, "says Darrell Finley, manager of the Romar House Bed and Breakfast Inn in Orange Beach. "I had a lot of guests that stay here that go to the races everyday. With the economy the way it is, it's pretty tough on everybody and we really hate it that they're not going to run."

Local leaders and tourism officials aren't giving up on "Thunder." They hope the race will return to Pleasure Island in 2010.

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