The International Hot Rod Association has named Bob Teague as Chief Referee and Gary Stray as Technical Director for its offshore powerboat operations, adding veteran leadership to race control and technical oversight.
The appointments, bring more than 90 years of combined offshore racing experience to IHRA’s expanding powerboat program.
Veteran Leadership in Race Control
Bob Teague
Experience: 50+ years in offshore racing
Background: Former Pacific Offshore president (10+ years), racer, official, rule contributor, race organiser
Teague has served in nearly every capacity within offshore racing, from competing to officiating to organizing events. His decade-long tenure leading Pacific Offshore provided operational experience managing multiple annual events.
Gary Stray
Experience: 40+ years racing, building, and engineering offshore powerboats
Background: Worked with UAE Victory Team and Miss GEICO, extensive boat construction and technical expertise
Stray brings hands-on engineering and building experience from the highest levels of offshore racing, including work with championship-winning programs.
Enforcement and Consistency
Teague outlined his approach to the Chief Referee role, emphasizing consistency and clear standards.
Offshore racing needs consistency and leadership that understands the sport from every angle. IHRA’s vision and investment show a real commitment to moving offshore racing forward. My goal is to help deliver a fair, professional race environment where teams know what to expect and competition is decided on the water.
He acknowledged that strong enforcement would be central to his role.
Tough calls are sometimes required, but they’re necessary to elevate the sport. IHRA is building a strong staff that’s focused on doing things the right way, and I’m proud to be part of that effort.
Technical Standards and Innovation
Stray’s Technical Director role will focus on establishing defined technical standards and enforcement protocols while introducing data systems and technology to offshore racing.
This is one of those rare opportunities where real change is possible. IHRA is investing in offshore racing in a way that allows it to evolve, not repeat the same patterns. IHRA leadership is open to innovation, and that’s what makes this opportunity exciting.
He outlined priorities for technical oversight.
Our focus is on setting defined technical standards, enforcing them evenly, and removing ambiguity. At the same time, we’re working toward introducing more data and technology into the sport that benefits teams, fans, and partners while helping offshore racing grow.
IHRA’s Offshore Strategy
Organisational Development: The appointments strengthen IHRA’s offshore operations as the organization continues building a professional platform for the sport. IHRA entered offshore powerboat racing following its acquisition of F1 Powerboat Racing in 2025.
Tommy Thomassie, IHRA’s Director of Powerboating, emphasized the significance of both appointments.
This is a big win for IHRA to be able to have Bob and Gary come onboard leading their respective teams. We also plan to provide them everything they need to make enormous positive impacts both in the short and long term. With Bob holding the line and keeping things fair, and Gary pushing us to both catch up to and then be at the forefront of motorsports, this is going to be an exciting time for IHRA in offshore.
The appointments represent IHRA’s continued investment in professionalising offshore racing operations, improving technical oversight, and strengthening the sport’s organizational infrastructure.
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.
