CentsLess Racing set to make waves at Thunder on the Niagara

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CentsLess Racing is ready to take to the water at this year’s Thunder on the Niagara, Aug. 1-2, bringing one of the event’s strongest and most diverse lineups to the Niagara River. With entries spanning four competitive classes and several hometown favorites behind the wheel, the team will be chasing victories in front of Western New York race fans at Gratwick Park in North Tonawanda.

Leading the Formula R effort is Ayden Sovie of Ogdensburg, who pilots the R-50 CentsLess 15. Powered by a 4-cylinder Ford engine, Sovie enters the weekend sitting second in the Formula R championship standings. The Formula R class regularly reaches speeds approaching 100 mph, setting the stage for close, competitive racing.

Representing the team in Formula F is Grand Island's Ken Brodie III, driver of the F-50 CentsLess 16. In just his second season in the class, Brodie continues to build momentum behind the wheel of his Honda K20-powered hydroplane, currently holding third place in the championship standings. Racing on his home waters, he will be looking to earn his first Formula F victory in front of family, friends and local supporters. Formula F boats race at speeds exceeding 100 mph.

Joining Brodie in Formula F is defending Thunder on the Niagara champion and current points leader “Fast” Eddie Kanfoush of Grand Island. Kanfoush returns aboard the former F-500 CentsLess 17, now known as the F-16 Viper, with hopes of defending his hometown title and extending his championship lead. In addition to his Formula F campaign, Kanfoush will also compete in the Hydro 350 class, driving the Quebec-based H-999 La Bête Noire.

In the Hydro 350 division, Joe Less of Buffalo will represent CentsLess Racing in the H-600 CentsLess 12. Powered by a Small Block Chevy V8, the Hydro 350 machines are capable of speeds exceeding 120 mph, and with over 15 entries for the weekend, H350 is sure to be one of the most thrilling classes on the race schedule.

The team’s Grand Prix entry features Grand Island veteran Ken Brodie II in the GP-50 Freedom. Powered by a supercharged Chevy V8, the hometown hydroplane competes in the fastest class of the weekend, where boats can exceed 150 mph in racing conditions. Brodie has captured two race victories across the past two seasons and will be looking to add another win while racing in front of the home crowd on the mighty Niagara River.

Catch all the action Saturday, Aug. 1, through Sunday, Aug. 2, on the Niagara River, where the local teams are ready to bring the thunder.

Shown at the 2024 event: Racing on the left is GP 50, piloted by Ken Brodie II of the CentsLess team. On the right is GP 35, whose drivers are Brandon and Bobby Kennedy on the TKO Motorsports team. Both hydroplanes raced in the Grand Prix class at Thunder on the Niagara, held at Gratwick Park in North Tonawanda. (File photo by Karen Carr Keefe)