Cat Can Do Establishes Racing4Paws Outreach

For more than two decades Keith Holmes and the Cat Can Do offshore racing team operated by Holmes’ Michigan-based CK Motorsports has certainly done their share of winning. Coming off a 2014 season in which the team earned the Offshore Powerboat Association Extreme class world and national championships, Cat Can Do is aiming to also win off the water for animals this season.

While looking to repeat as OPA champs, the Cat Can Do team has another goal in 2015: animal advocacy. Photo courtesy Roger Zuidema

As a way to raise awareness for animal treatment and protection as well as connect with more people off the racecourse who share the common thread of loving animals, CK Motorsports and Cat Can Do Racing has established Racing4Paws, a public service outreach on behalf of animal shelters and humane society chapters.

“We want to spread the word about the amazing work that our friends at animal shelters and chapters do, while providing entertainment to thousands of race fans and giving people an opportunity to support the cause,” said Keith Holmes, driver and owner of Cat Can Do.

The team plans to use its 40-foot Skater Powerboats catamaran powered by twin 1,700-hp Sterling Performance engines to create awareness, raise funds and confront cruelty to animals. Holmes said the team is going to work with local animal organizations at events around the country.

As of now, the Cat Can Do Racing4Paws schedule includes the Lake Race (June 5-7, Lake of the Ozarks, Mo.), Chase Charity Powerboat Event (June 12-14, Muskegon, Mich.), St. Clair River Classic (July 24-26, St. Clair, Mich.), International Powerboat Race (Aug. 7-9, Port Huron, Mich./Sarnia, Ontario) and Detroit River International Powerboat Championships (Sept. 4-6, Detroit).

Check out the slideshow for more Cat Can Do images courtesy of Roger Zuidema.

Roger Zuidema, vice president of marketing for CK Motorsports, said that the team wanted to use its influence and exposure in a positive way so, as animal owners running a cat-theme raceboat, the animal advocacy cause was obvious. From reducing the number of abandoned or unwanted pets to rescuing hurt, abused and abandoned animals and finding them a new forever home, Racing4Paws will encourage people to be actively involved in animal treatment and protection.

“We feel that by sharing our love, and creating a common value, racing becomes more meaningful,” Zuidema said. “We hope our fans continue to love the Cat on the water, but also hope that they will support this great cause.”

For more information and an event schedule visit racing4paws.weebly.com.