IHRA Takes the Helm: A New Era for Offshore Powerboat Racing in 2026
The offshore powerboat racing landscape has changed - dramatically. The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA), best known for drag racing, has gone all-in on the water.
High-speed offshore catamarans - the new IHRA Offshore Series
The Acquisitions That Changed Everything
- October 2025: IHRA acquired Powerboat P1 USA and its P1 Offshore division
- December 2025: Closed on F1 Powerboat Racing
- Strategic alignment with the Offshore Powerboat Association (OPA)
- Result: IHRA now controls the majority of organized offshore racing in the US
CEO Darryl Cuttell and Managing Director Dustin Farthing have been clear: unify the sport, grow the audience, bring IHRA's organizational muscle to the water.
The Numbers
- $2 million total purse across the National Championship
- $650,000 in tow money - teams get paid just to show up
- $250,000 PWC purse for the new Pro Watercraft Series
- 7 National + 7 Bracketed classes per a 62-page rulebook
The 2026 IHRA Offshore Series features $2M+ in prize money
Key Players
- Tommy Thomassie - EVP and Director of Powerboating
- Randy Scism - MTI founder, appointed to IHRA board
- Tyler Miller - also appointed to the board
- These aren't ceremonial titles - these are operators who know the sport
Broadcast & Media
- SPEED SPORT 1 & 2 broadcast partnership
- YouTube live streams for free viewing
- Massive upgrade for a sport that's been hard to follow remotely
What This Means
- For teams: more money, more structure, more visibility
- For fans: better coverage and more events
- For the sport: fragmented sanctioning bodies may finally be behind us
Season Opener
The 2026 St. Pete Powerboat Grand Prix - March 27-29 in downtown St. Petersburg, FL. First race under the new IHRA Offshore Series banner.
Stay tuned to OutboardListings.com for full coverage of the 2026 IHRA Offshore Racing Series.
Sources: IHRA.com · SpeedSport.com
