The Superstock Racing Group has voted by overwhelming majority to make the International Hot Rod Association its exclusive sanctioning body for the 2026 national championship, committing the class solely to IHRA’s seven-round offshore schedule.
The decision represents a significant development in American offshore powerboat racing’s ongoing division between IHRA and the American Power Boat Association, which remains the Union Internationale Motonautique’s recognised national authority in the United States.
Cole Liebel, president of the Superstock Racing Group, confirmed members voted to align exclusively with IHRA rather than competing in both organisations’ championships. The class will crown its 2026 national champion through the complete IHRA offshore schedule, which features a $2 million total purse plus tow money across seven rounds beginning March 27 in St Petersburg, Florida.
This is a monumental day for the Superstock class. By an overwhelming majority, our members have chosen to align with the IHRA, a move that we believe will bring stability, growth, and a new level of professionalism to our racing.
Teams posted IHRA calendar graphics to their social media accounts in support of the decision, including Mom Ain’t Happy Racing, Demon Bikini Race Team, BA Motorsports – Team Allen Lawn Care & Landscaping, S-25 Team Bermuda, Say Less MF Racing, BigEast Offshore Racing, and S12 Nuff Said Bermuda.
IHRA’s financial package includes $650,000 in tow money distributed across the seven national races and World Championship. Based on 70 boats per race, each attending boat receives approximately $1,150 per event. Teams must attend at least four of seven national championship races to qualify for the World Championship.
Superstock represents one of American offshore racing’s most competitive and popular classes. The 32-foot catamarans powered by twin Mercury 300XS engines reach speeds approaching 110 mph and provide an accessible entry point to offshore competition compared to higher-cost categories including Pro Class 1 and Super Cat.
IHRA president Leah Martin stated the organisation welcomed the Superstock class commitment as validation of the organisation’s vision for American offshore racing. The Ohio-based sanctioning body acquired Powerboat P1 USA/P1 Offshore in October 2025 before purchasing the American F1 tunnel boat series in December, committing $2.75 million across its powerboat racing portfolio.
The Superstock decision follows Thunder on Cocoa Beach’s switch from APBA to IHRA days before the 2026 schedules were finalised. The Florida event had appeared on APBA’s 2026 calendar when announced in November before moving to IHRA, removing a marquee venue from APBA’s schedule. Kerry Bartlett of the Cocoa Beach organising committee stated circumstances had changed substantially since the initial APBA agreement.
APBA offers UIM recognition that IHRA cannot provide. The volunteer-driven organisation founded in 1903 lacks financial resources to compete with IHRA’s investment. APBA’s 2026 schedule includes the Key West World Championship on November 1-8, produced by Race World Offshore. IHRA lists a World Championship at a date and location to be determined.
The UIM has not publicly addressed the split between its recognised American national authority and IHRA’s competing structure.
2026 IHRA Offshore Series Schedule
Date |
Location |
|---|---|
March 27-29 |
St Petersburg, Florida |
April 10-12 |
New Orleans, Louisiana |
May 15-18 |
Cocoa Beach, Florida |
June 12-14 |
Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri |
July 24-26 |
St Clair, Michigan |
August 7-9 |
Sheboygan, Wisconsin |
September 11-13 |
Orange Beach, Alabama |
TBA |
World Championship |
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.
