COCOA BEACH – The Thunder on Cocoa Beach boat races next month promises to be faster and and more furious than last year.

And if attendance levels grow to expectations, it also should be more lucrative for the local tourism industry.

Last year, organizers estimated the four-day event attracted 80,000 spectators and had a $16 million economic impact.

This year they think the spectator number for the off-shore super boat race should be in the 85,000 to 90,000 range with a corresponding economic uptick.

Activities for the race begin May 14 with a welcome VIP party, followed by a bikini contest and a street party in Port Canaveral's Cove area. The actual race is Sunday, May 18.

"We've seen a steady increase every year with this event," said Kerry Bartlett, Thunder on Cocoa Beach's race director.

Thunder on the Beach is part of the Super Boat International circuit, sort of like a NASCAR for high-speed, off-shore boats. The boats can be in the $1 million-plus range and they can go as fast as 200 mph.

Most of the races in the series occur in Florida. The season concludes in November with the 34th annual Key West World Championship.

The size of Thunder on Cocoa Beach isn't lost on local tourism officials.

"That always draws a huge crowd," Space Coast Office of Tourism Executive Director Rob Varley said. "A lot of the hoteliers will sell out that weekend."

Organizing the local race event isn't cheap. Bartlett said because it's not a ticketed event so he and other organizers lean heavily on corporate sponsors, and volunteers to cover expenses.

There are about 35 sponsors for this year's race and organizers still are looking for more.

A big sponsor this year is Ocean Potion, one of the sunscreen product lines made by the Cocoa-based Sun & Skin Care Research LLC. The race coincides with Ocean Potion's 25th anniversary.

"We're based here in Cocoa and Cocoa Beach and this is a great way to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Ocean Potion," said Valda Coryat, vice president of marketing at Sun & Skin Care Research. "We live, work and play here. What better way to celebrate our anniversary? What better brand to wear while riding the waves?"

The May 18 race begins at Shepard Park in Cocoa Beach with turns at Lori Wilson Park and the Cocoa Beach Pier. All three sites are good for spectators, Bartlett said.

And in case anyone thinks the super charged boats are a danger to marine life, Bartlett tried to downplay any fears.

"Super Boat International does more than any other organization as far as protecting wildlife like turtles and manatees," he said. "We actually have four, state-certified turtle/manatee watch people on staff — one in the air, two on boats and one on land. And then of course we'll have more than 80,000 spectators keeping an eye out for wildlife."

Contact Price at 321-242-3658 or wprice@floridatoday.com.