The newly formed World Powerboat Racing Association (WPRA) has officially unveiled their 2025 National Championship Series, marking a pivotal chapter in the evolution of offshore powerboat racing. Designed to honor the sport’s storied past while forging a bold path forward with an emphasis on keeping the racers in the forefront, the series will span premier venues across North America and feature a dynamic lineup of offshore racing events.
The WPRA was formed in response to unresolved discussions among leading race organizations—Professional Racing Offshore (PRO), Race World Offshore (RWO), and the American Power Boat Association (APBA)—regarding sanctioning rights for the upcoming season. Central to the debate was the designation of the internationally recognized UIM/Class 1 versus the racer-supported Pro Class 1. Despite efforts to reach consensus ahead of the Thunder on Cocoa Beach event scheduled for May 15–18 in Florida, no agreement was reached.
In the wake of that impasse, the WPRA emerges as an independent sanctioning body, stepping into a role traditionally held by the APBA. The new organization will implement its own rulebook, closely aligned with existing standards familiar to teams, while introducing a transparent, racer-first model of governance.
The inaugural WPRA National Championship Series will debut June 20–22 at the Lake of the Ozarks XINSURANCE Offshore, hosted by PRO, featuring a double-points format to ignite early competition. The tour will continue through key venues including Michigan City, Chicago, and Clearwater, before concluding at the prestigious Key West Offshore World Championships, organized by RWO.
“Launching in Lake of the Ozarks and finishing in Key West highlights both the unity and competitive spirit that define our sport,” said Jeff Harris, former world champion racer and newly appointed WPRA official. “This series reinforces our commitment to fairness, professionalism, and the future of offshore racing.”
For the first time under WPRA sanctioning, teams will compete for both National and World Championship titles. Entry into any 2025 WPRA event will grant teams eligibility to participate in the Key West World Championship. Teams with prior offshore racing experience may also apply for entry, subject to eligibility reviews conducted by the WPRA.
The organization is also placing a strong emphasis on safety and technical integrity. Veteran safety coordinator Shawn Steinert will oversee emergency response efforts at all events, while seasoned inspectors Richard Dancisin and Roger Conley will ensure uniform enforcement of technical regulations across all classes.
In a strategic move to broaden the sport’s reach and enhance fan engagement, WPRA has partnered with Victory+ for national broadcast coverage. RTH.TV will provide live streaming, behind-the-scenes content, and interactive features to connect fans more deeply with the high-speed action.
2025 WPRA National Championship Series Schedule: