Dustin Farthing, named President of the International Hot Rod Association following the dismissal of Leah Martin at the Thunder on Cocoa Beach event on May 17, has published an open letter to the offshore racing community addressing the turbulence surrounding the leadership change and outlining his commitment to completing the 2026 season.
Farthing, one of the most decorated personal watercraft racers in the sport’s history with more than 30 professional world championships and a 2009 UIM World title, was previously named IHRA President of Sponsorships before taking on the full presidential role. He brings a long-standing relationship with Monster Energy and a background building powersports dealerships and motorsports operations.
In the letter, addressed directly to IHRA offshore racing teams, Farthing acknowledged the difficult period the series has been through and committed to completing the schedule as planned.
Dustin Farthing, IHRA President:
The road hasn’t been easy, and we fully understand the concerns and conversations surrounding the recent changes that occurred in Cocoa Beach. What matters now is moving forward the right way.
Farthing set out five priorities for the series going forward: safe racing, professional events, family-friendly entertainment, strong television and media exposure, and building a series that racers and fans can be proud of.
He added:
We know trust is earned through actions, not words, and we are committed to doing the work necessary to complete the schedule as planned while building something sustainable for the future of offshore racing.
The full text of the open letter:
An Open Letter to the Offshore Racing Teams
Attention Racers: The road hasn’t been easy, and we fully understand the concerns and conversations surrounding the recent changes that occurred in Cocoa Beach. What matters now is moving forward the right way.
As the International Hot Rod Association, we are committed to protecting and growing the sport of offshore racing for the racers, teams, sponsors, fans, families, and communities that believe in it. The leadership team in place today recognises the responsibility we carry, and we are actively working every day to ensure the series moves forward with structure, stability, professionalism, and a long-term vision for the future.
Our focus is still simple: safe racing, professional events, family-friendly entertainment, strong television and media exposure, a series racers and fans can be proud of.
We know trust is earned through actions, not words, and we are committed to doing the work necessary to complete the schedule as planned while building something sustainable for the future of offshore racing.
This sport deserves leadership that fights for it, protects it, and believes in it. That’s exactly what we intend to do.
To the racers, teams, sponsors, and fans, thank you. The future is still bright, and we’re still pushing forward together to build the best that offshore racing has ever seen.
Dustin Farthing, IHRA President
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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.
