The International Hot Rod Association is officially entering the personal watercraft racing space — and they’re doing it with real money, national reach, and a long-term vision.
Earlier today, IHRA announced the launch of the IHRA Pro Watercraft Racing Series, a new professional championship set to debut in 2026, featuring both stand-up and runabout competition and a $250,000 total prize purse. The series will be integrated into select IHRA Offshore Powerboat Racing Series events, creating multi-discipline race weekends designed to elevate both the racer and fan experience.
Earlier this year, IHRA acquired the U.S. offshore racing operations of Powerboat P1, a major promoter of marine racing events, while Powerboat P1 continues its international focus — including the AquaX personal‑watercraft series — even as its U.S. offshore programs transition under the IHRA umbrella, providing an intriguing backdrop for how the new IHRA Pro Watercraft Racing Series might intersect with existing national and international PWC competition structures.
For a sport that has long relied on regional promoters and grassroots momentum, IHRA’s move represents a notable shift — not just in scale, but in intent.
According to the announcement, the Pro Watercraft Racing Series is being built with a racer-first mindset, combining professional-level competition with increased exposure, modernized event execution, and expanded digital coverage. Plans call for a mix of closed-course and endurance formats, comprehensive live streaming, and enhanced transponder integration, all aimed at delivering a more polished and accessible product for competitors and fans alike.
At the center of the new series is Dustin Farthing, a multi-time world champion and one of the most recognizable figures in American personal watercraft racing, who will serve as Managing Director. Farthing’s involvement signals that this isn’t simply an outside organization experimenting with the sport — it’s a racer-driven effort backed by institutional resources.
“This series is being built by racers, for racers,” Farthing said in the release. “We are focused on raising the standard across the board, from competition format and event execution to prize money and visibility.”
IHRA leadership echoed that long-term approach, emphasizing growth, sustainability, and the opportunity to introduce personal watercraft racing to broader audiences by aligning it with established offshore powerboat events.
While specific event locations, dates, and formats have not yet been announced, planning and outreach efforts are already underway with racers, promoters, sponsors, and international partners. Additional details are expected to follow after the first of the year as permits are finalized and schedules take shape.
For now, the announcement marks a significant statement of intent: IHRA sees professional watercraft racing as a discipline worth investing in — and worth building properly.
Watercraft Journal will be speaking with Dustin Farthing later today to dive deeper into the vision behind the IHRA Pro Watercraft Racing Series, what racers can expect as plans develop, and how this new tour fits into the broader U.S. and international racing landscape. That conversation — and more clarity on what’s coming next — will follow soon.
The full IHRA press release appears below.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
IHRA Announces Launch of New Professional Personal Watercraft Racing Series
New IHRA Pro Watercraft Racing Series to Debut in 2026 with $250,000 in Prize Money and a Bold Vision for the Sport
Fairfield, OH — The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) today announced the launch of the IHRA Pro Watercraft Racing Series, a new professional personal watercraft racing championship set to debut in 2026. Featuring both stand up and runabout competition, the series is designed to usher in a new era of professional watercraft racing by delivering elevated competition, increased visibility, and meaningful opportunities for racers.
The IHRA Pro Watercraft Racing Series will be integrated into select IHRA Offshore Powerboat Racing Series events, creating action packed race weekends and a premium on water experience for fans, racers, and partners alike.
Backed by strong industry interest, experienced leadership, and a $250,000 prize pool, the series is being built with a racer first mindset and a long-term commitment to growth and sustainability.
“Personal watercraft racing has reached a point where it is ready for something new,” said Thomas Covington, who oversees overall strategy and commercial operations for the series. “Racers are looking for a clear vision and a professional platform they can believe in. By aligning this series with major offshore events, increasing exposure, and putting real prize money on the line, we are creating a foundation that can elevate the sport and open the door for future expansion.”
The series is being developed by a leadership team with deep roots in motorsports and firsthand experience in professional racing, operations, and athlete development. Legendary racer Dustin Farthing will serve as Managing Director, bringing credibility, insight, and a racer driven perspective to the championship.
“This series is being built by racers, for racers,” said Farthing. “We are focused on raising the standard across the board, from competition format and event execution to prize money and visibility. This is about giving athletes a series they can be proud to compete in and helping push the sport forward.”
IHRA leadership emphasized that this announcement marks the first step in a broader, long-term investment in professional watercraft racing.
“IHRA has always been committed to growing motorsports and creating new opportunities for racers,” said Darryl Cuttell, Owner of IHRA. “Personal watercraft racing has tremendous potential, and this series represents our commitment to investing in the sport, building a stronger platform, and delivering first class competition and fan experiences.”
While specific event details will be announced in the future, planning and outreach efforts are already underway with racers, promoters, sponsors, and international partners. The IHRA Offshore Powerboat Racing Series schedule will be announced in the very near future, with the Pro Watercraft Racing Series integrated into select offshore events as part of that rollout. The IHRA Pro Watercraft Racing Series will also feature comprehensive live streaming and digital coverage to ensure global access for fans and stakeholders.
The IHRA Pro Watercraft Racing Series represents a significant step forward for professional personal watercraft racing and signals a clear vision for the future of the sport.
About the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA)
The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) is fueling the future of motorsports through a multi-discipline platform and a renewed leadership vision focused on growth, competitive excellence, and modernized event experiences. With an expanding national footprint, IHRA is committed to elevating competitive standards, strengthening local venues, and delivering unforgettable experiences for racers, fans, and partners.
