The International Hot Rod Association has doubled its 2026 offshore racing prize purse to $2 million, just weeks after acquiring Powerboat P1 USA and announcing an initial $1 million commitment to the sport.
The organisation confirmed the increased purse following the Key West World Championship, where teams received payment immediately after the awards presentation.
IHRA owner Darryl Cuttell had announced the original $1 million purse for the inaugural 2026 national championship series in mid-October, alongside a $250,000 commitment for the Key West event. The doubled investment represents the largest financial commitment to American offshore racing in recent history.
New series structure
The IHRA Offshore Series will launch in 2026 with what the organisation describes as elevated competition and a unified platform for offshore racing teams.
The acquisition of Powerboat P1 USA in October brought international promotional experience to IHRA’s portfolio. Tyler Miller and Randy Scism joined the organisation’s board of directors, adding credibility within the offshore racing community.
IHRA continues discussions with Race World Offshore about potential unification, which could create a single American offshore racing series for the first time in years.
Immediate payment policy
Teams received their prize money via cheques immediately following the Key West awards ceremony, establishing a payment precedent for the organisation.
The financial commitment includes tow fund support to assist teams with travel costs, addressing a concern that has affected team participation in recent seasons.
An official IHRA Offshore page will launch soon with announcements covering the 2026 schedule, class structure, and competition rules.
John Moore’s involvement in powerboat racing began in 1981 when he competed in his first offshore powerboat race. After a career as a Financial Futures broker in the City of London, specialising in UK interest rate markets, he became actively involved in event organisation and powerboat racing journalism.
He served as Event Director for the Cowes–Torquay–Cowes races between 2010 and 2013. In 2016, he launched Powerboat Racing World, a digital platform providing global powerboat racing news and insights. The following year, he co-founded UKOPRA, helping to rejuvenate offshore racing in the United Kingdom. He sold Powerboat Racing World in late 2021 and remained actively involved with UKOPRA until 2025.
In 2025, he established Powerboat News, returning to independent journalism with a focus on neutral and comprehensive coverage of the sport.
