Tommy Thomassie has resigned as executive vice president and director of powerboating at the International Hot Rod Association, less than 100 days after taking up the post and two weeks after the organisation ran its first offshore race in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Powerboat News has been covering the IHRA Offshore Racing Series since the $2 million prize purse announcement in November 2025. The public response to that coverage has been clear. Our St. Pete preview became the most-read article in PBN’s history. Our New Orleans preview, published ahead of this weekend’s second round, is drawing significant traffic of its own. Interest in offshore powerboat racing among the general public is not a niche phenomenon.
That context makes Thomassie’s departure all the more significant. He was the man brought in to build something.
The appointment
On December 31, 2025, the IHRA named Tommy Thomassie as executive vice president and director of powerboating. The announcement came on the last day of 2025, signalling the organisation’s intent to move quickly as it prepared for a six-event, $2 million season. Thomassie’s brief was to build the offshore programme from scratch in the time available before the St. Pete opener.
By any measure, St. Pete happened. Sixty-five boats competed. The IHRA distributed substantial prize money across the field. Two weeks later, Thomassie informed the IHRA he was resigning.
Thomassie’s statement
Thomassie set out his reasons for leaving to speedonthewater.com
“I am really proud to have worked with the IHRA and several key members to create a set of rules that hopefully puts the organisation on a path to success, and to have pulled off the races in St Pete in such a stellar fashion where our team overcame numerous obstacles from ground zero in two and a half months. Ultimately there seemed to be a split in our collective vision and execution, so I resigned with the commitment to being in New Orleans to execute another great race and experience for the racers and fans alike.”
“IHRA informed me however that I was not needed there and that is their prerogative.”
Tommy Thomassie
He also addressed the racing community directly.
“To all the racers that I’ve had the pleasure of knowing and meeting over the years: stay safe and have fun out there, because when it’s all said and done that’s really what it should be about: having fun.”
Tommy Thomassie
IHRA response
IHRA president Leah Martin issued a statement.
“We sincerely appreciate Tommy’s dedication and the impact he’s made during his time with us. While we’re sad to see him step down, we support him fully and wish him continued success moving forward. We remain focused on advancing offshore racing with a clear vision: bringing the sport together, elevating safety and professionalism, and creating long-term growth for teams, partners, and fans.”
Leah Martin, IHRA President
Thomassie declines to elaborate
Powerboat News contacted Thomassie this afternoon, to offer him the opportunity to share his thoughts further. His reply was brief.
“For the foreseeable future that is all I plan to put out there.”
Tommy Thomassie, in correspondence with Powerboat News
The IHRA Offshore Racing Series’ second round, the New Orleans Powerboat Grand Prix, is due to take place this weekend.
The organisation has not announced a replacement for Thomassie.
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.
