IHRA Announces Revised 2026 Powerboat Racing Schedule
The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) today announced revisions to its remaining 2026 powerboat racing schedule, as well as all other IHRA disciplines, as the organization continues making significant adjustments to budgets that were exceeded early in the season. The moves are designed to strengthen the long-term future of its marine racing divisions while allowing the organization to reset and build a refreshed 2027 schedule more closely aligned with the original vision established by IHRA Owner and CEO Darryl Cuttell.
The revised structure impacts the IHRA Offshore Racing Series, IHRA F1 Powerboat Series, and IHRA Outlaw Drag Boat Racing Series.
Since launching its expanded powerboat racing platform, IHRA leadership has remained focused on building a premier national powerboat racing organization centered around professional operations, substantial prize purses, a racer-first mentality, and a first-class experience for racers, teams, sponsors, venue partners, and fans alike. As the season progressed, however, the organization determined that several areas of investment and operational growth accelerated faster than originally projected.
Following months of internal evaluation and discussions involving series leadership, venue partners, municipalities, and operational staff, IHRA officials made the decision to abbreviate portions of the current season in order to focus on creating a stronger, more sustainable foundation moving into 2027 and beyond.
“This was an extremely difficult decision because we know how much passion, effort, and commitment our racers, teams, sponsors, and fans invest into these series,” said Dustin Farthing, President of the IHRA. “At the same time, we have to make decisions based on the long-term future of the organization and where we believe these divisions can ultimately go.”
Farthing emphasized that the decision was not made due to a lack of confidence in the powerboat divisions, but rather out of a desire to properly position the organization for long-term success.
“We still fully believe in the vision,” Farthing said. “Darryl Cuttell had a very clear vision for what IHRA powerboat racing could become — a professionally operated platform with meaningful prize purses, major event production, strong media exposure, and a racer-first environment that elevates the entire sport. We simply reached a point where we felt it was important to take a step back, evaluate everything thoroughly, and build the kind of structure that can support that vision the right way moving forward.”
According to IHRA officials, the organization continues working on operational restructuring, budget realignment, venue development, media enhancements, sponsorship growth, and long-term scheduling initiatives that will help strengthen all three divisions for future seasons.
“Our responsibility is not just to today, but to the future of these series,” added Farthing. “We want to create something that is stable, sustainable, exciting, and professional at every level. Sometimes that requires making difficult decisions in the short term in order to build something much stronger for the future.”
Farthing also noted that planning for the 2027 season is already underway, with a renewed focus on establishing a schedule and operational model that delivers consistency for racers, teams, partners, and host venues alike.
“We are committed to coming back with a stronger plan, stronger structure, and a stronger overall product,” Farthing said. “The goal remains the same — to build premier powerboat racing properties that everyone involved can be proud of.”
Additional information regarding future scheduling, venue announcements, and 2027 initiatives across the IHRA Offshore Racing Series, IHRA F1 Powerboat Series, and IHRA Outlaw Drag Boat Racing Series is expected to be released in the coming months.
IHRA appreciates the continued support, understanding, and patience of its racers, teams, sponsors, venue partners, and fans as the organization continues working toward the long-term growth and evolution of its marine racing divisions.
Revised 2026 Schedules:
· IHRA Offshore Racing Series: Mercury Racing Midwest Challenge, IHRA National Championship – Sheboygan, WI, August 6-9, 2026
· IHRA F1 Powerboat Series: Alton Powerboat Nationals, Alton, IL, July 17-19, 2026
· IHRA Outlaw Drag Boat Racing Series: Spring Creek Marina World Finals, San Angelo, TX, October 2-4, 2026
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