The International Hot Rod Association has appointed Tommy Thomassie as Executive Vice President, Director of Powerboating, establishing formal leadership for the organisation’s rapidly expanding powerboat portfolio.
The appointment advances IHRA’s long-term vision for offshore powerboat racing and tunnel boat competition, creating a unified leadership structure across multiple powerboat disciplines.
Strategic leadership appointment
Thomassie brings extensive motorsports experience to the role, having worked in sponsorship negotiations and playing a key role in the growth of Pro Class 1 offshore racing.
Leah Martin, IHRA president, outlined the strategic thinking behind the appointment.
When I was asked to serve as president of IHRA, I knew immediately that building the right leadership team was critical, and naming this position was a top priority.
I asked myself, ‘If not me, then who?’ Tommy was my first instinct and my first choice.
As Executive Vice President and Director of Powerboating, Thomassie will oversee all IHRA offshore powerboating disciplines, including competition operations, sanctioning standards, safety integration, commercial strategy, and long-term series development.
Vision for powerboat racing
Thomassie emphasised the opportunities ahead for American powerboat racing under IHRA’s expanding structure.
I’m honoured to step into this role at such a pivotal moment for powerboat racing.
IHRA’s vision is bold, inclusive, and focused on the future. I look forward to working alongside the IHRA leadership team and the racing community to strengthen the sport, create sustainable growth, and deliver world-class events for fans around the globe.
IHRA owner Darryl Cuttell emphasised the importance of building a strong executive foundation for the organisation.
One of my early directives to Leah was to put together an executive leadership team that could support IHRA’s growth across all disciplines.
Powerboating is an important part of that plan, and Tommy is the right addition to help move it forward.
Expanding powerboat operations
IHRA has made three major powerboat acquisitions in recent months, establishing a comprehensive American powerboat racing platform.
The organisation acquired Powerboat P1 USA/P1 Offshore in October, followed by the F1 Powerboat Racing series in December, committing an unprecedented $500,000 prize purse and racer support programme for the 2026 tunnel boat season.
Thomassie’s appointment provides dedicated leadership for these operations as IHRA continues discussions with Race World Offshore towards potential unification ahead of the 2026 season.
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.
