The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) has officially acquired F1 Powerboat Racing, one of the world’s premier tunnel-boat racing series. This strategic acquisition strengthens IHRA’s rapidly growing footprint in water-based motorsports and continues the organization’s mission to unify, modernize, and elevate competitive racing across all disciplines.

With the acquisition, F1 Powerboat Racing will now operate under the IHRA Powerboating umbrella, joining a family of series focused on racer-first principles, enhanced safety standards, and elevated fan experiences. IHRA will integrate its safety, broadcast, marketing, and event operations infrastructure to support a seamless 2026 season transition. Also, IHRA will be putting up an unprecedented $500,000 for prize purse and racer support.

Under IHRA leadership, F1 Powerboat Racing will benefit from:

• Centralized rules, safety oversight, and compliance management

• Expanded broadcast coverage through IHRA’s multi-year partnership with SPEED SPORT 1

• Unified scheduling across offshore, drag boat, and F1 categories

• Increased sponsorship opportunities driven by IHRA’s national commercial infrastructure

• Enhanced racer support and event operations

• Strengthened leadership with the addition of legendary F1 champion and leader Tim Seebold to the IHRA Powerboating Team

“Bringing this series under the IHRA umbrella accelerates our vision of unifying powerboat racing and delivering a world-class experience for racers, teams, and fans," said IHRA CEO Darryl Cuttell. "This acquisition is not just about growth—it’s about strengthening the future of the sport through stability, professionalism, and opportunity.”

Added IHRA President Leah Martin: “This is another major step in aligning the sport, improving racer pathways, and presenting a clear, coordinated national framework for powerboat competition. F1 Powerboat Racing has a strong legacy, and we are excited to honor that history while bringing new innovation, expanded media coverage, and unprecedented support for the athletes.”

“IHRA’s commitment to supporting racers at every level—rookie to championship contender—is exactly what our sport needs," said Seebold. "Their racer-first approach, operational strength, and long-term vision give F1 Powerboat competitors a clearer, stronger, and more stable future. I’m proud to join the IHRA Powerboating Team and look forward to helping build an environment where our racers can succeed and the sport can grow.”

About the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA)

The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) is a global motorsports sanctioning body dedicated to racer-first competition, fan engagement, and the advancement of motorsports across multiple disciplines—including drag racing, stock car racing, offshore powerboating, drag boat racing, snowmobile competition, and more. IHRA is committed to innovation, safety, and the long-term sustainability of competitive racing.

Here's the 2026 F1 list of events and which classes will be racing. All dates are tentative.

Feb. 21—Bradenton Area River Regatta, Palmetto - Bradenton, FL* (F1, F-Light, Tri Hull)
April 17-19—Gulf Coast Grand Prox, Biloxi, MS* (F1, F-Light, Tri Hull, Talent Cup
May 1-3—Riverfest, Port Neches, TX (F1, F-Light, Tri Hull, Talent Cup
May 22-24—Red River Rumble F1 Powerboat Shootout, Shreveport - Bossier, LA (F1,F-Lights, Tri Hull, Talent Cup)
June 5-7—Battle on the Colorado, Marble Falls, TX (F1, F-Light, Tri Hull, Talent Cup)
June 18-21—TBA* (F1, F-Light, Tri Hull, Talent Cup)
July 17-19—Alton Midwest Nationals, Alton, IL (F1, F-Light, Tri Hull, Talent Cup)
July 31 to Aug. 2—Roar of the Rockies, Windsor, CO (F1, F-Light, Tri Hull)

*Indicates new events to the F1 Powerboat Championship.     

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