The 32nd Annual St. Clair River Classic takes place on July 24-26, 2026, in downtown St. Clair, Michigan, sanctioned by the Offshore Powerboat Association (OPA). Admission is free. The event is organised by the Blue Water Offshore Racing Association (BWORA), a local non-profit that has been running this race for over three decades.
The race forms part of the OPA Divisional Triple Crown series. For the full picture on the IHRA/OPA situation and how St. Clair fits into the broader 2026 offshore calendar, see our full explainer here.
A Michigan Institution
The St. Clair River Classic is one of the Midwest’s longest-running offshore powerboat events, drawing racers and fans from across North America. Racing takes place along Riverside Avenue in downtown St. Clair, with the Palmer Park Boardwalk providing a prime spectator vantage point directly above the race course.
Butch Kindsvater, President of the Blue Water Offshore Racing Association, said:
“Our board voted to move forward with OPA to provide a consistent product for our community, which has supported this race for many years.”
Bill Cedar, Mayor of St. Clair, said:
“This is the largest single event in the City of St. Clair during the summer. Blue Water Offshore Racing Association has been promoting this race for many years, and I am confident this year will continue to be a great event.”
What Spectators Can Expect
The weekend features world-class offshore powerboat racing, live race broadcasts, pit access, live entertainment and vendors throughout the site. The Palmer Park Boardwalk puts spectators directly alongside the racing action on the St. Clair River, with the programme split across eight races over the weekend, three on Saturday and five on Sunday including the Clash of the Titans exhibition.
The St. Clair River is closed to through traffic while racing is underway, reopening periodically between races. Boaters should note the Coast Guard permit in effect across the weekend, with special rules applying to river traffic.
Full Event Schedule
Tentative, subject to change (per OPA/BWORA schedule dated July 16, 2026).
| Session | Local time (ET, UTC-4) | Your time |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, July 22 | ||
| M-29 road closure in place; Race Village set-up | 6:00 PM | 6:00 PM ET |
| Thursday, July 23 | ||
| Arrival of race boats, viewing in dry pits | All day | — |
| Friday, July 24 | ||
| Arrival of race boats, viewing in dry pits | All day | — |
| Entertainment, Riverview Plaza Courtyard | Evening | — |
| Saturday, July 25 | ||
| Race boats on display, Race Village | All day | — |
| Insured testing, course staffed | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM | 11:00 AM ET |
| Race One, Super Stock qualifying | 1:15 PM | 1:15 PM ET |
| Race Two, Class 300, 400, 500, Vee Limited | 2:30 PM | 2:30 PM ET |
| Race Three, Class 600, 700 | 3:45 PM | 3:45 PM ET |
| Entertainment, Riverview Plaza Courtyard | Evening | — |
| Sunday, July 26 | ||
| Race boats on display, Race Village | All day | — |
| Invocation, national anthems, flag float down (tentative) | 11:15 AM | 11:15 AM ET |
| Race Four, Clash of the Titans | Noon | 12:00 PM ET |
| Race Five, Modified Vee | 1:15 PM | 1:15 PM ET |
| Race Six, Factory Stock | 2:30 PM | 2:30 PM ET |
| Race Seven, Super Stock | 3:45 PM | 3:45 PM ET |
| Race Eight, Super Cat, Extreme, Super Vee | 5:00 PM | 5:00 PM ET |
| Awards ceremony, Riverview Plaza Courtyard | 7:00 PM | 7:00 PM ET |
All times shown in Eastern Time (ET, UTC-4). Your local time is calculated automatically where shown.
Venue and Practical Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | July 24-26, 2026 |
| Location | Downtown St. Clair, Michigan |
| Race course | Riverside Avenue, St. Clair River |
| Spectator viewing | Palmer Park Boardwalk |
| Race registration | Riverview Plaza |
| Admission | Free |
| Sanctioning body | OPA Racing |
| Organiser | Blue Water Offshore Racing Association |
Racing runs across eight events over the weekend, weather and course conditions permitting, with the awards ceremony closing out the weekend at Riverview Plaza Courtyard. Follow the event at facebook.com/stclairriverclassic.
OPA Racing Coverage
Follow all OPA Racing news and event coverage on Powerboat News.
OPA Racing Coverage
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.
