The International Hot Rod Association has acquired the F1 Powerboat Racing series, the premier American tunnel boat championship, continuing the Ohio-based organisation’s rapid expansion into water-based motorsports following its October purchase of Powerboat P1 USA/P1 Offshore.
The acquisition brings the domestic tunnel boat series under IHRA’s powerboat umbrella alongside its offshore racing operations, with the organisation committing an unprecedented $500,000 prize purse and racer support programme for the 2026 season.
Legendary American tunnel boat champion Tim Seebold, who holds the all-time record for Formula One race victories in the United States with 37 wins and seven national championships, will join the IHRA Powerboating Team as the series transitions to new ownership.
Strategic Consolidation
The move represents IHRA’s third major powerboat acquisition in recent months as the sanctioning body pursues its stated goal of unifying competitive powerboat racing across multiple disciplines under centralised governance.
“Bringing this series under the IHRA umbrella accelerates our vision of unifying powerboat racing and delivering a world-class experience for racers, teams, and fans,” said Darryl Cuttell, chief executive of IHRA. “This acquisition is not just about growth. It’s about strengthening the future of the sport through stability, professionalism, and opportunity.”
IHRA president Leah Martin emphasised the organisation’s focus on creating integrated pathways for competitors. “This is another major step in aligning the sport, improving racer pathways, and presenting a clear, coordinated national framework for powerboat competition. F1 Powerboat Racing has a strong legacy, and we are excited to honour that history while bringing new innovation, expanded media coverage, and unprecedented support for the athletes.”
Seebold Family Legacy
Tim Seebold’s involvement provides continuity for a series closely associated with the Seebold family name. The youngest son of Billy Seebold, who died in October aged 84 after amassing more than 900 victories and 69 world and national championships over a 46-year career, Tim retired from driving in 2016 with 19 North American national championships.
“IHRA’s commitment to supporting racers at every level, rookie to championship contender, is exactly what our sport needs,” said Seebold. “Their racer-first approach, operational strength, and long-term vision give F1 Powerboat competitors a clearer, stronger, and more stable future. I’m proud to join the IHRA Powerboating Team and look forward to helping build an environment where our racers can succeed and the sport can grow.”
Infrastructure and Support
The series will benefit from IHRA’s existing infrastructure, including centralised rules and safety oversight, expanded broadcast coverage through the organisation’s multi-year partnership with SPEED SPORT 1, unified scheduling across its powerboat divisions, and enhanced sponsorship opportunities driven by IHRA’s national commercial operations.
2026 Calendar
IHRA has released the 2026 schedule featuring eight rounds across the United States, beginning in February and running through to August.
Round |
Date |
Location |
|---|---|---|
1 |
21-23 February |
Palmetto-Bradenton, Florida |
2 |
17-19 April |
Biloxi, Mississippi |
3 |
1-3 May |
Port Neches, Texas |
4 |
22-24 May |
Shreveport-Bossier, Louisiana |
5 |
5-7 June |
Marble Falls, Texas |
6 |
18-21 June |
To be announced |
7 |
17-19 July |
Alton, Illinois |
8 |
31 July-2 August |
Windsor, Colorado |
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.
