If there was ever a moment that felt like a true reset button for professional jet ski racing in the U.S., this might be it.
With new ownership at Pro Watercross comes a bold, ambitious vision—and it’s officially taking shape with the launch of the National Pro Watercross USA Tour, branded as “The Road to Havasu.” This isn’t just another race series announcement. It’s a full-scale national push designed to elevate the sport, spotlight its athletes, and tell a season-long story that builds toward one unforgettable championship moment.
The Road to Havasu will feature five to seven action-packed tour stops across the United States, each one playing a critical role in shaping the championship picture. Racers will accumulate points throughout the season, with their top four finishes counting toward qualification for the finale. That format rewards consistency while allowing racers some breathing room—miss a round, suffer a DNF, or skip a long cross-country haul, and your championship hopes aren’t instantly over. Still, strong performances are non-negotiable if you want to make the cut.
What makes this series especially significant is exposure. Every round of the tour will be nationally broadcast, putting Pro Watercross racing in front of a mainstream audience hungry for fast, visceral motorsports. For the riders, teams, and sponsors who have worked tirelessly to grow the sport, this kind of visibility is a massive step forward.
According to Pro Watercross COO Shawn Dudek, the goal goes beyond racing alone. The Road to Havasu is built around a narrative—one that follows athletes across the country as pressure mounts, rivalries intensify, and the championship picture sharpens with every stop.
And fittingly, that journey ends on sacred ground.
The Pro Watercross National Championship Finale is officially locked in for September 25–27, 2026, in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Few locations carry the same weight in the personal watercraft world. With the iconic London Bridge as a backdrop and the legendary waters of Lake Havasu beneath them, the finalists will battle it out in a setting that has defined jet ski racing for decades.
Lake Havasu isn’t just a venue—it’s a symbol. As Brian Smith, Race Director of the Lake Havasu Series, put it, hosting the finale on a national stage doesn’t just deliver thrilling racing, it showcases the city’s deep-rooted legacy as the Jet Ski Capital of the World to millions of viewers nationwide.
Beyond the televised broadcasts, the series is leaning hard into digital engagement as well. After every tour stop, fans can expect post-race recap live streams, featuring immediate analysis, rider interviews, and championship updates. It’s a move designed to keep the momentum going all season long while pulling fans deeper into the action—whether they’re at the venue, watching on TV, or tuning in from across the globe.
Taken together, The Road to Havasu feels like more than a race series. It feels like a statement. A declaration that watercross racing is ready for a bigger stage, a broader audience, and a new generation of champions.
Additional details on tour stops and qualifying locations are expected soon—but one thing is already clear: the road ahead just got a lot more exciting.
See the full official press release below.
Jet Ski Racing Revs Up for National Spotlight with “The Road to Havasu” Tour
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LACONIA, NH – December 5, 2025 – With new ownership of Pro Watercross comes a new beginning. The world of personal watercraft racing is set to make a significant splash on the national stage with the announcement of the National Pro Watercross USA Tour, aptly named “The Road to Havasu.” This exhilarating new tour will feature 5-7 high-octane stops across the United States, culminating in a dramatic Championship Finale from the legendary Lake Havasu City, Arizona – long hailed as the “Jet Ski Capital of the World.” Championship race weekend will be held two weeks before the IJSBA World Finals.
The entire series will be nationally broadcast, bringing the sport’s unparalleled speed, skill, and talent to a national audience hungry for action motorsports. This marks a pivotal moment for jet ski racing, promising unprecedented exposure and an elevated profile for its elite athletes.
“This new partnership between Nauti Water Racing and East Coast Watercross is a game-changer for jet ski racing,” stated Shawn Dudek, COO of Pro Watercross. “Securing a national broadcast validates the incredible athleticism and thrilling competition our sport offers. This series isn’t just about racing; it’s about building a season-long narrative that culminates in an epic showdown and gives our racers and sponsoring partners the recognition they deserve!”
The Road to Havasu: A Championship Journey
The new format introduces a compelling “Road to Havasu” narrative, making every single stop crucial for competitors to build points while also allowing the option to have a few bad races or save a cross country trip. Riders will accumulate points throughout the tour, with their four (4) highest scores from the 5-7 preliminary events determining their ranking. Only through strong performance and participation at these stops can a rider be in contention to compete in the high-stakes Championship Finale in Lake Havasu City. This exclusive pathway ensures that every race will feature the sport’s top talent vying for critical points, guaranteeing intense, must-watch action from start to finish.
“Each city we visit will be a proving ground for the best of the best racers to show off what they can do on the water on a national stage while battling it out for a chance to win the title of the first ever USA Watercross National Tour” Dudek explained.
Lake Havasu City: The Ultimate Destination
The decision to crown the Tour Champion in Lake Havasu City leverages the location’s deep roots and iconic status within the PWC community. The stunning backdrop of the London Bridge and legendary waters of Lake Havasu will provide a spectacular setting for the final, televised showdown, which is now confirmed for:
• Pro Watercross National Championship Finale: Lake Havasu City, AZ, on September 25-27, 2026.
“Lake Havasu City is more than just a venue; it’s hallowed ground for jet ski racing,” said Brian Smith, Race Director of the LAKE HAVASU SERIES. “Hosting the Championship Finale on a national stage will not only deliver a thrilling event but also showcase our beautiful city and its enduring legacy as the ‘Jet Ski Capital’ to millions of viewers nationwide.”
Beyond the national broadcasts, the series will further engage fans with digital post-race recap live streams after every tour stop. These on line shows will provide immediate analysis, rider interviews, and championship updates, driving community interaction and captivating audiences of every age from all around the world.
“The Road to Havasu” is poised to redefine motorsports on water, offering a thrilling blend of speed, strategy, and drama. Get ready to witness the next generation of champions. Additional information on qualifying dates and locations will be released soon.
