Free to watch and open to all, the Lancashire Powerboat Racing Club’s Big Race Weekend takes place at Carr Mill Dam in St Helens on Saturday 2 May and Sunday 3 May 2026. On-water action runs from 10:30am to approximately 5:00pm on both days, with eight classes of circuit powerboat on the water and top speeds reaching 120mph.
With no National British Championship series scheduled in 2026, LPRC has built this event specifically around competitor interests. Every CPA national class has been invited to Carr Mill Dam, including teams using the weekend to prepare for upcoming international events.
Bill Owen, Commodore of LPRC, said:
“We’ve consulted extensively with teams nationwide to ensure this weekend delivers exactly what competitors want. It’s shaping up to be a celebration of everything powerboating. We’re thrilled to welcome competitors from all UK powerboat racing clubs across the country, and we understand we’ll have representatives from every national class. All competitors are eager to enjoy the excellent facilities we have at Carr Mill Dam and gain valuable water time. We will also be extending a warm welcome to UK race teams who are preparing for their upcoming international events.”
Saturday and Sunday
Saturday morning opens with testing and timed practice sessions. The afternoon moves into Mixed Class Club Racing: a diverse field of monohulls and catamarans running under a delayed handicap system, where slower boats launch first and the faster ones chase them down.
Sunday shifts to the National Classes. The faster, more powerful machines take centre stage, with competitive races throughout the day. Most classes will use dead-engine jetty starts: engines cut, hands visible, and the boats launched from the pontoon on the starter’s signal. At 120mph, the Formula 2 field is up to speed within seconds of crossing the line.
On-water action: 10:30am – approx. 5:00pm both days. A one-hour lunch break is included. All timings subject to change.
The Boats
Eight classes cover everything from junior monohulls to international-specification catamarans. The Formula 2 is the headline act: an enclosed cockpit catamaran powered by a 2.5-litre Mercury OptiMax engine, capable of 120mph on a short circuit lake. The Outboard Hydroplane classes (F250 and F350) run close to 100mph. At the other end of the spectacle, the OSY 400 is a 400cc hydroplane whose driver lies flat on their stomach, a position that does not become less surprising at 65mph the more you see it.
| Class | Type | Power | Top speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formula 2 | Enclosed catamaran | 2.5L Mercury OptiMax 200XS / 250 APX | Up to 120mph |
| Outboard Hydroplanes (F250 & F350) | Hydroplane | 250 / 350hp outboard | Around 100mph |
| T850 | Monohull | 90hp | 60-65mph |
| Formula 4 | Enclosed catamaran | 60 APX outboard | 65-70mph |
| OSY 400 | Hydroplane (prone) | 400cc | 65-70mph |
| GT30 | Monohull | 30hp | 45-50mph |
| GT15 | Monohull | 15hp | 35-40mph |
| Mixed Clubman | Mixed fleet | Various | Varies |
The GT15 class is for drivers aged 9 to 16; the GT30 is open from 14 upwards. Both are a reminder that circuit powerboat racing is a sport with a junior pathway, and that several of the senior competitors racing on Sunday will have started in these boats.
Where to Watch
Spectators can watch from vantage points around the banks of Carr Mill Dam, with live commentary running throughout both days. The Dam Bar and Grill, on Garswood Old Road, WA11 7LZ, sits adjacent to the venue and will be serving food and drinks across the weekend.
Parking
On-site parking is reserved for competitors, teams, and officials only. Public parking is available in the meadow on the right-hand side of the approach road to the venue, on a first come, first served basis. Keep access routes clear for emergency vehicles.
Getting There
Lancashire Powerboat Racing Club, Carr Mill Dam, Garswood Old Road, St Helens, WA11 7LZ.
More Racing at Carr Mill Dam in 2026
The Big Race Weekend opens LPRC’s 2026 season. Further events run through to October.
Saturday 30 May – Training and Testing
Saturday 27 June – Race day
Saturday 18 July – Race day
Saturday 15 August – Training and Testing
Saturday 5 September – Race day
Sunday 6 September – Training and Testing
Saturday 10 October – Race day
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.
