Sad news thus far, I see from visiting the local powerboat association website here in Orange Beach Alabama that the offshore races set for August 2009 have been canceled. It is also listed on the front page of our local newspaper thismorning as well. Truly sad for this area of which I live and play, this was alway's an exciting race course due to the rough conditions of our portion of the Gulf Of Mexico. This economy is hurting everyone and everything, hope to see everyone in Biloxi in two weeks, best of luck and safe trips for all that will be attending.

Randy Nevers
Gulf Shores, AL.

man, what a bummer!!!! always looked forward to orange beach each year. if not for the great racing but the friendly people of orange beach. sal cimino new orleans, la.

We just couldn't raise the 150g it takes to put on the race as our previous sponsors including myself have all been hurt by the recession.Its such a shame as it has brought over 4 million to our economy each year and with 150 thousand race fans was also the biggest spectator event in offshore boat racing.They were also worried about a small boat count as many racers are also feeling the crunch.There has never been a better time for unification.We will work hard to bring the race back next year. Gary

Sad to hear this news- I had it on my calendar for this year. I went to OB for the first time last year and thoroughly enjoyed it. Beautiful beaches, great people and fantastic racing.

Very sad but realistic news. Orange Beach was always one of our favorite race sites. Hopefully, things will turn around in the future.

Im not an accountant but if it brings in 4 million dollars to the local economy and it cost 150 thousand. Where is the problem?
MD

Thats my thoughts as well, OB is a great site, and this needs more looking at before pulling the plug.

Please Orange Beach,don't give up so quick, let the racers and fans help....

Here's the deal.

1. Yes, Thunder on the Gulf has brought in several million dollars over the years.
2. Yes, The Gulf Coast Power Boat Association wants the race to continue. We didn't just get together and say screw it, cancel it. It was a serious, long thought out business decision. The Board of Directors of the Gulf Coast Power Boat Association are volunteers, citizens of Orange Beach, own businesses in Orange Beach, put their hearts and souls in this event and are directly effected by this race not happening.
3. Yes, We have had several Charter Sponsors who are having just as bad of an Economic time as eveybody else and are cutting spending any way they know how to survive.
4. Yes, The Perdido Beach Resort has pulled it sponsorship which amounted to about $40,000 worth of rooms, meeting space, tents for VIP parties, and assorted other important services.
5. Yes, The City of Orange Beach has laid off or eliminated 40 positions due to budget shortfalls and are not in a position to contribute hard cash just in-kind services (public safety/pubilc works).
6. Yes, The Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau has commited to in-kind marketing but not hard cash.
7. Yes, In-kind services help, but they do not pay the bills, IOU's and handshakes only go so far.
8. Yes, the low boat count last year hurt us. "If there is no show, there is no dough." Direct quote from a potential sponsor. You, the racers are the key to the show.
9. No, The Gulf Coast Power Boat Association does not have any money in our accounts to produce it after being audited by the State of Alabama Tax Division and paying back taxes that we were not aware we owed.
10. Yes, As of this morning no one is waving a check to pay for this years race.
11. Yes, If there is someone out there willing to wave a check the GCPBA will produce the event. This is not a secret, there is no need to work around us.
12. Yes, New sponsors are being contacted for 2010 that did not have funding in their budgets for this year.
13. Yes, If this race does not happen in 2009 it wil be a serious wake up call for the businesses in the area when the revenue is not there.



There you have the facts.

If you have any questions, please direct them to myself and they will be forwarded out to our Board of Directors.


For the Board of Directors,

Samuel C. Jackson
Vice President
Gulf Coast Power Boat Association
[email protected]

Yes, the low boat count last year hurt us. "If there is no show, there is no dough." Direct quote from a potential sponsor. You, the racers are the key to the show.