And Now Super Cat Joins IHRA
The class featuring offshore racing’s fastest catamarans commits 11 teams to IHRA’s $2 million championship, escalating the battle between professional investment and UIM recognition.
Premier Class Aligns With IHRA
Super Cat, American offshore racing’s premier catamaran class, has aligned with the International Hot Rod Association for 2026 in a decision that significantly strengthens IHRA’s position against the American Power Boat Association in the ongoing division of American offshore powerboat racing.
The commitment brings 11 teams campaigning 38- to 44-foot catamarans reaching 140 mph into IHRA’s seven-round Offshore National Championship Series, which features a $2 million total purse plus $650,000 in travel money.
The alignment follows Superstock’s exclusive commitment to IHRA announced earlier this month, with the premier class decision representing a major escalation in the battle between IHRA’s professional investment and APBA’s UIM-recognised volunteer structure.
Vinnie Diorio, Super Cat Class Representative, said teams assessed IHRA’s financial backing and organisational commitment when making the decision.
Super Cat teams want a national platform that’s professional, consistent, and built to grow. IHRA has made it clear they’re serious, through meaningful prize money, a real commitment to supporting teams on the road, and a broadcast strategy that helps our sport reach more fans and deliver more value for our sponsors.
Diorio pointed to IHRA’s $250,000 Key West purse as evidence the organisation would deliver on commitments.
IHRA didn’t just talk about raising the bar, they put real investment into the sport and followed through. The $250,000 purse at Key West mattered because it proved the commitment was real. The 2026 structure gives teams and partners something they can plan around with confidence.
11 Teams Have Signed Up
The 11-team entry list includes back-to-back world champions Dirty Money Racing, the Georgia-based team owned by Beau and Tiffiney Renfroe campaigning a Skater 388 with driver Brit Lilly and throttleman Bill Pyburn. CJ Grant Racing brings their Skater 38-footer that has emerged as Dirty Money’s primary competition, whilst Team Farnsworth operates a 40-foot MTI catamaran acquired from the Broadco programme.
EWB Racing acquired the former AMSOIL Skater 368 from world champion throttleman Bob Teague, and Howe 2 Live Offshore represents the partnership between YouTube personality Michael Howe and Sterling Engines owner Cade Wilson. The field also includes CR Racing, Speed Marine, Wicked, Lucky 13 Racing, SV Offshore/Rollin Transport, and Rip-It Racing.
Sanctioning Division Context
The Super Cat alignment with IHRA follows bitter public exchanges between American offshore organisations that have undermined the sport for decades, according to competitors posting on social media earlier this month.
The UIM has not publicly addressed the split between its recognised American national authority and IHRA’s competing structure, leaving uncertainty about whether IHRA events will carry UIM recognition or world championship status.
Key West Remains Critical Question
Both IHRA and APBA list World Championships on their 2026 calendars. APBA shows Key West for November 1-8 with Race World Offshore producing. IHRA lists a World Championship at a date and location to be determined.
The November 2025 Key West event attracted 96 boats with IHRA contributing to a $250,000 purse. Where the 2026 World Championship lands will determine whether IHRA’s investment unifies American offshore racing or fragments it into competing championships.
International teams have indicated they cannot commit to American racing campaigns without knowing where Key West will be sanctioned. Super Cat’s alignment with IHRA increases pressure on the Key West organisers to choose between APBA’s UIM recognition and IHRA’s financial investment.
Championship Structure
IHRA President Leah Martin confirmed the organisation’s commitment to offshore powerboat racing expansion.
IHRA is proud to welcome Super Cat into our Offshore National Championship Series as we continue to build a stronger future for professional offshore racing. This is about delivering a clear championship pathway, elevating the fan experience, and creating more visibility and value for teams, sponsors, and host communities.
The 2026 IHRA Offshore Series begins March 27 in St Petersburg, Florida. The seven-round schedule features events at New Orleans, Cocoa Beach, Lake of the Ozarks, St Clair, Sheboygan and Orange Beach through September 11-13. The World Championship date and venue will be announced separately.
Teams must attend at least four of seven national championship races to qualify for the World Championship. The $650,000 travel money programme distributes approximately $1,150 per boat per event based on 70 boats attending each race.
John Moore is the editor of Powerboat News, an independent investigative journalism platform recognised by Google News and documented on Grokipedia for comprehensive powerboat racing coverage.
His 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 September 2025, he established Powerboat News, returning to independent journalism with a focus on neutral and comprehensive coverage of the sport.
