The International Hot Rod Association’s expansion into powerboat racing will launch with its first sanctioned event when the Bradenton Area River Regatta hosts the IHRA F1 Powerboat Series on February 20 and 21, 2026.
The Florida event marks the competitive debut of IHRA’s powerboat operations following its acquisition of the American tunnel boat series earlier this month. The regatta will feature the IHRA F1 Powerboat Series alongside F-Lights and Tri-Hulls classes in what organisers describe as the most powerful racing line-up in the event’s 11-year history.
First IHRA Powerboat Competition
The sanctioning represents a milestone for both IHRA and the Bradenton event, which draws spectators to the Manatee River shorelines in Bradenton and Palmetto for free waterfront racing.
Leah Martin, IHRA president, said the event demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to powerboat racing growth.
Bringing the IHRA F1 Powerboat Series to Bradenton represents the kind of forward momentum we are building across all IHRA disciplines. This event reflects our commitment to growth, innovation, and delivering world-class racing experiences while honouring the history and passion that makes powerboat racing so special.
Tim Seebold, managing director of the IHRA F1 Powerboat Series, emphasised the significance of launching at an established event.
We are extremely proud to bring the IHRA F1 Powerboat Series to such an iconic event here in Bradenton. This historic milestone begins a new chapter in powerboat racing as the IHRA embarks on its quest to become the world’s premier powerboat sanctioning body.
Regatta Format
The two-day event follows a free admission format across both days.
Friday Night Flash runs from 5pm to 9pm on February 20, featuring a drone light show, fireworks display, and live music at the Bradenton Riverwalk Pavilion Stage.
Saturday’s racing programme begins at 10am on February 21 with the Florida Formula 1 Championship serving as the headline competition. The weekend concludes with a racing awards ceremony at the Palmetto Marriott Resort and Spa at 6pm, followed by a concert featuring Beach Buoys, a Beach Boys tribute act.
Tri-Hulls will make their first appearance at the Bradenton regatta as part of the expanded class line-up.
Municipal Support
Bradenton mayor Gene Brown highlighted the event’s economic impact on the region.
The City of Bradenton and our partners, the City of Palmetto and Manatee County, are proud to welcome the River Regatta back for its 11th year. This event has been an incredible economic driver and tourist attraction, and we are thrilled to host bigger, faster, and more powerful Formula One boats for the first time.
The regatta operates as a partnership between the cities of Bradenton and Palmetto alongside Manatee County, with the waterfront location providing spectator access along both riverbanks.
IHRA’s powerboat portfolio now includes offshore racing operations and the newly acquired tunnel boat series, with the organisation committing a $500,000 prize purse and racer support programme for the 2026 season.
Full event details and schedules are available at bradentonarearegatta.com.
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.
