CentsLess Racing to make waves at Thunder on the Niagara

By Catherine Schwab

Marketing & Design Specialist, GP:50

CentsLess Racing is geared up for an electrifying weekend on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 2-3, as the hydroplane team takes to the water for the 2025 Thunder on the Niagara. With five boats competing across four classes, this local powerhouse is ready to showcase speed, skill and hometown pride on the Niagara River. It’s all happening at Gratwick Park in North Tonawanda.

•In the 2.5-liter class, rookie Ayden Sovie of Ogdensburg pilots the S-50 CentsLess 15, and currently holds second place in the standings. Grand Island native Ken Brodie III steps up to the Formula 2500 class with the F-50 CentsLess 16, aiming for his first win in the class. Joining him is “Fast” Eddie Kanfoush, also from Grand Island, behind the wheel of the F-500 CentsLess 17 – last year’s Formula 2500 champion and a serious contender once again.

•Joe Less of Buffalo enters the Hydro350 class in the H-500 CentsLess 14, with top speeds reaching 120 mph. Rounding out the fleet is veteran driver Ken Brodie II in the GP-50 Freedom, representing the Grand Prix class where boats can exceed 150 mph. Fresh off a win at the 1000 Islands Regatta, Brodie is aiming to thrill the home crowd with another podium finish.

Thunder on the Niagara schedule

•Saturday, Aug. 2: Gates open at 6 a.m. The main entrance (Witmer Road) opens for VIP, officials and vendors only. The Ward Road entrance will be open for spectators only. The first heat begins at 10 a.m., and racing ends at 5 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 3: Security at the main gate – entrance closed (VIP, officials and vendors). At 9:45 a.m., the U.S., Canadian and New Zealand national anthems will be played. Flag laps will be conducted with vintage skiffs. North Tonawanda Mayor Austin Tylec will give opening welcome remarks.

The first heat begins at 10:15 a.m. During an intermission from noon to 1 p.m., vintage GP and vintage skiffs will be shown. Races end at 5 p.m., and awards will be handed out at 6 p.m.

There will be food trucks, food vendors, craft vendors and so much more. Bring the family and make a weekend of it.

Catch all the action next Saturday and Sunday on the Niagara River, where CentsLess Racing is ready to bring the thunder.