Race World Offshore (RWO) has secured official UIM recognition for the APBA Super Stock class as a full World Championship category, expanding North America’s role as the epicenter of international offshore powerboat racing.
The announcement follows the signing of the agreement by UIM President Dr. Raffaele Chiulli, adding Super Stock to the roster of premier UIM world titles contested under the RWO banner. RWO already holds a five-year licensing agreement (2026–2030) with UIM Events that positions the organization as the home of the UIM Offshore World Championships in North America for Class 1, Class 2 and Super Cat. Super Stock now becomes the fourth crown up for grabs in a single unforgettable season.
“This has been months in the making,” said Rodrick Cox, Managing Director of Race World Offshore. “Larry Bleil and I spoke with UIM about bringing Super Cat in, and then Super Stock. Larry went to Monaco at the beginning of the year and got Super Cat done, and we’ve been working ever since to get Super Stock across the line. On Monday, the president of UIM finally signed the paperwork.”
The timing means the first race of the season in Atlantic City fell just before official recognition, but the championship proper launches with strong momentum. “Now we’ve got three cities represented for this year—Michigan City (IN), Clearwater (FL), and Key West (FL),” Cox told Speedboat. “This is something that’s never happened. It gives these racers a chance to have a UIM world title recognition supported by the International Olympic Committee, and if they win, they get a chance to go to Monaco.”
The Super Stock UIM World Championship opens Aug. 1-2 in Michigan City, moves to the Clearwater Offshore Nationals Sept. 25-27, and concludes with the final two races at the Key West World Championships Nov. 1-8. Points from all six races will be tallied, with the champion crowned on Friday night of Key West during the legendary Duval Street Parade—race boats rolling down the historic street at dusk, tens of thousands of fans lining the route, and the sport’s newest world champions honored in the heart of the celebration.
Cox emphasized the dual-title opportunity now available to competitors: “In these three upcoming races, they’ll have an opportunity to earn points not only towards the APBA national title, but it gives them points towards being a UIM world champion.”
The Super Stock champion will also be formally recognized on the international stage in Monaco, joining the elite group of UIM world titleholders. Four UIM world championships. One coast-to-coast season. It all runs through Key West.
For Super Stock teams and drivers, the stakes have never been higher—or more rewarding.