The Manatee River, connecting the bustling towns of Bradenton and Palmetto, FL, hosted the 11th annual Bradenton Area River Regatta over the weekend, and the crowds were out in full force. It's a free, family-friendly extravaganza that transforms the riverfront into a vibrant hub of speed, sound and spectacle.
Sponsored by LECOM (Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine), this year's event marked a thrilling milestone: the debut of the IHRA Formula One Powerboat Series, alongside Formula Lights and Tri-Hull classes, drawing crowds estimated at over 100,000. For many, it was more than a race—it was a celebration of community, adrenaline and the raw power of human ingenuity on water.
"This is the first time that IHRA has produced the races in Bradenton," Tim Seebold, Managing Director of the F1 series, told Speedboat. "It's the 11th annual event, and we're hoping to come back. We brought in a lot more boats than they're accustomed to having; normally, they only run two classes there—the Tri Hulls have never raced in Bradenton before."
The kickoff evening kicked off with Friday Night Flash at Rossi Park and the Riverwalk, where the festivities began at 5 p.m. under a clear Florida sky. Families strolled the waterfront, vendors hawked festival fare like fresh seafood tacos and cotton candy, and the scent of sunscreen mingled with the salty river breeze. As dusk approached, the stage lit up with live music, including ABBA and Fleetwood Mac tribute bands. At around 8:30, the sky came alive with a synchronized drone and fireworks display by Sky Elements and Zambelli. Hundreds of drones swirled in intricate patterns, forming glowing shapes like boats and waves, their lights pulsing to an orchestral soundtrack.
On Saturday morning, the Manatee River morphed into a roaring arena. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the focus shifted to the races, with prime viewing spots along Rossi Park, the Green Bridge (closed to traffic for safety), and the Palmetto shoreline. Free trolleys shuttled spectators between the two sides, ensuring everyone could catch the action. Between heats, the festival pulsed with energy: kids zones with bounce houses and face painting, waterfront vendors selling souvenirs, and live music.
The races themselves were the heart-pounding showcase. Thirteen elite drivers in the Formula One class thundered across the water in sleek, aerodynamic boats capable of hitting 130 mph, carving tight turns that sprayed massive rooster tails. In boat #14, Andrew Tate dominated, completing 30 laps in 17:47 to claim victory. Jared Jensen followed closely in #29 at 17:50, with Jeremiah Mayo in #8 rounding out the podium at 18:01.
"Andrew had never started on pole, had never won a heat race and never won a final in F1, so that was a first for him this weekend," Seebold said. "Jared Jensen finishing second was a career best for him."
In the Formula Lights class, 14 competitors vied for glory in lighter, agile crafts. Shelby Love in #24 edged out the field with 11 laps in 6:56, showcasing the skill that earned her last year's national championship. Jake McKee in #01 took second at 7:04, and Brandon Bobalik in #60 claimed third at 7:06.
"Shelby is veteran racer Spencer Love's daughter," Seebold said. "She's one of the fastest in the country in that class. Jake McKee took second; he's a newer driver who has only run a couple of events with us. Another career highlight."
Finally, the Tri-Hull class, with 11 entries, brought a crowd-pleasing edge. These boats, designed with three hulls for stability in choppy waters, navigated a course with turns that turned rough and rowdy. Mason Rinker in #37 powered to first with 20 laps in 11:19, followed by Cole Wehring in #69 at 11:28 and Neal Marsh in #17 at 11:33. Seebold noted their appeal: "The Tri Hulls are a crowd favorite," he said. "They run on a different course, with single-pin turns. It gets extremely rough out there, but they don't mind swapping paint." Adding a layer of legacy, Mason is the son of APBA Hall of Champion Chris Rinker, whose decades-long career inspired a family dynasty that includes Mason's brother Tanner, cousin Ashton in F1, and veteran Terry Rinker.
"We had a lot of interesting things happen during the weekend," Seebold said. "It was a fantastic event. We're very proud of it. Our staff did a great job. It's something we're looking forward to building upon."
The circuit rolls on to the Gulf Coast Grand Prix in Biloxi, MS, April 17-19—a multi-day affair with F1, Lights, Tri-Hulls, and the new Talent Cup junior class, complete with a Cajun street party, boat parade, and global livestream.
Photography by Ray Lee