The 2026 race season is officially underway.
Back east, most eyes were locked on Lake Alfred, Florida, where East Coast Watercross kicked off the East Coast Watercross IJSBA series with Rounds 1 and 2 of the East Coast Watercross Winter Watercross Series. We’ll dive into those results later this week — and look ahead to Rounds 3 and 4 returning to Lake Alfred this coming weekend.
But first, we turn our attention west.
This Saturday, February 28, the desert air over Lake Havasu State Park will crackle to life as the 22nd Annual IJSBA Mark Hahn Memorial Havasu 300 returns for another running of what’s widely regarded as the toughest, longest and most challenging PWC endurance race in the world.
Presented by Hot Products, Ford Bros. Racing, Systems Real Estate, Inc., Riva Racing, Impros, Anderson Powersports, Performance Fiberglass, Works H20 Designs, Monster Watercraft, Lake Havasu Jet Ski Rentals and LG1 Designs, the Hahn 300 isn’t just another stop on the calendar — it’s a badge of honor.
The World’s Longest Continuous PWC Race
Promoted by RPM Racing Enterprises and led by race director Ross Wallach, the Mark Hahn 300 has, over the past two decades, cemented its place as a cornerstone of endurance racing.
Unlike the tight, moto-based format many racers cut their teeth on, the Hahn 300 is a test of stamina, strategy and sheer mechanical resilience. Teams rotate riders, manage fuel windows, navigate traffic and chop, and keep machines alive over 300 grueling miles of continuous competition. It’s part sprint, part chess match — and part survival.
Since relocating from Crazy Horse Campground to Point Beach inside Lake Havasu State Park in recent years, the event has found a new rhythm. Runabout teams utilize the Windsor launch ramp once the race is underway, while Stand Up competitors stage from Point Beach. The modified Le Mans–style start — racers already mounted, lanyards out, dead engine in the water — delivers one of the most electric moments in the sport.
32 Teams and Counting
As of February 11, Wallach announced that 32 teams are pre-registered for Saturday’s race — a strong showing that underscores the enduring draw of this event.
And here’s the key detail for anyone still on the fence:
Late registration remains open only until Wednesday, February 25.
Miss that window, and you miss the race. For teams still dialing in logistics, wrenching late into the night, or waiting on that final green light from sponsors or crew — the clock is officially ticking.
For registration questions, racers can contact Dawn at [email protected] or reach Wallach directly at (310) 318-4012.
What to Know If You’re Attending
Lake Havasu State Park Day Use fees for race day are $25 per vehicle (includes up to 4 adults), with each additional adult $5. Pits are designated and first come, first served — aside from priority pit spaces.
Move-in begins early, and as any Hahn veteran will tell you, endurance race mornings start long before the green flag drops.
There’s something different about Havasu in late February. The air is cool, the water deceptively calm in the early hours. Then the engines fire, the pack surges forward, and for the next several hours the lake transforms into a battleground of horsepower and heart.
The Season’s First True Test
While regional rounds and sprint formats build momentum, the Mark Hahn 300 sets a tone. It’s the kind of race that defines seasons before they truly begin — exposing weaknesses, rewarding preparation, and reminding everyone exactly how deep the talent pool runs.
Later this week, we’ll circle back to Lake Alfred and break down who struck first in the East Coast Watercross opener — and who looks poised to carry that momentum into Rounds 3 and 4.
But for now, all eyes turn west.
The desert is calling. The clock is running. And 300 miles await.
