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.
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 |
| Admission | Free |
| Sanctioning body | OPA Racing |
| Organiser | Blue Water Offshore Racing Association |
Full event details, schedules and spectator information will be announced in the coming weeks. 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.
