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Formula One racing on the Cumberland: Colorful, loud, and really fast!

Motor Marketing Group

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (MARSHALL) --  Nashville enjoyed some beautiful weather on Saturday, but even though there wasn’t a cloud in the sky, thousands experienced “Thunder on the Cumberland.”

“Thunder” is an annual formula one boat racing festival that took place on the river downtown this past weekend. Tomcats Hospitality produced the event with support from sponsors like Toyota.

Tomcats CEO Tom Morales described the racing event for WMOT from a spectator tent near 1st Avenue.

“These boat are going 120 mph,” Morales sayd. “And then they turn on a dime, and they get five and six Gs in the corner.”

Many racing enthusiasts brought their families to the two day racing festival which also offered food vendors, music and BMX biking demonstrations.

Despite inclement weather Sunday, the festival finished ahead of schedule, with some spectators choosing to watch from riverside rooftop bars.

The event was free and open to the public. Morales says he wants to keep it that way.

“We want to do a community event that's free, that doesn't have a price tag to get in, and people can enjoy it and watch the excitement of this racing,” he said.

Terry Rinker came in first place for the Formula 1 division followed by Chris Fairchild and Jimmie Merleau.