For the first time in the event’s five successful years, Thunder on the Gulf will feature two days of powerboat races. With the addition of the Pacific Offshore Powerboat Racing Association based in California, the 6th Annual Thunder on the Gulf will showcase 40 powerboats as the racers compete to win the lucrative prize purse on both Aug. 18 and 19.

Witness the astonishing command of 4800-plus horsepower engines that will top speeds of 170 mph along the 6.5 mile liquid racetrack stretching between the Perdido Beach Resort and Phoenix I-IV.

The recent partnership between the Offshore Super Series and POPRA group enabled the Gulf Coast Powerboat Racing Association to offer two days of racing action.

“We are looking forward to racers from across the country competing along the Orange Beach coast,” said John Brunick, president of the Gulf Coast Power Boat Association. “This is our sixth year of racing, and we are looking forward to the biggest and best ever. Having both OSS and POPRA racing on the same weekend gives fans the opportunity to experience a thrill that no one can forget.”

The excitement from the fastest and largest powerboats in the world starts on Aug. 18 as the 1 p.m. race features the Pacific OffShore Power Boat Racing Association class. Three heats the next day offer even more as the Cat Outboard and Super Vee Light classes race at noon. The second race — at 1:30 p.m. — features the Cat Light and Super Vee classes while the racing action concludes with the Super Cat, Cat Extreme and Cat Turbine classes in the 3 p.m. heat.

Watch the winners take home the trophies — literally — during the awards ceremony that Sunday at 7 p.m. in The Wharf’s Dry Pits.

In addition to the races, weekend festivities begin with the VIP Party at Live Bait Too on Aug. 16 at 7 p.m. For a $5 admission fee, visitors will not be disappointed with the Dry Pits, which are located at The Wharf and open Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Remember to pick up memorabilia for the racers to sign during the Meet the Racers Autograph Session at the Perdido Beach Resort on Aug. 17 at 7 p.m. Meanwhile, a silent auction will also be held at the resort, with proceeds from the $30 tickets benefitting a local charity.

Back at the dry pits, party with the Doobie Brothers and Peter Frampton in concert at the Amphitheater at The Wharf. Tickets are available through the Wharf’s box office (224-1020) or http://www.ticketmaster.com.

VIP tickets, which are $75, include admission to the VIP Kick-Off Party, the autograph session and silent auction, weekend access to the dry pits, and finally the award ceremony. Tickets are limited and may be purchased at www.thunderonthegulf.com/vip.php.

Race sponsors include Brett/Robinson, city of Orange Beach, Foley Beach Express, Deep South Cranes, Pepsi, Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau, Live Bait, Alabama Gulf Coast Sports Commission, Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce, Caribe, Perdido Beach Resort, The Wharf, Dogwood Productions, The Island House Hotel, Callahan Pest Control, Compass Marketing, Gulf Coast Newspapers, Alabama Live, GulfTel, Kaiser Realty, Pete Moore Automotive Team, Meyer Real Estate, West Marine, Medstar Emergency Medical Services, Lester’s and Bay Shore Title.

For more information, visit www.thunderonthegulf.com, or call (251) 980-7223.