There’s a certain kind of energy that comes with the start of a new season—and for the American Jet Sport Association, 2026 feels like a step forward in all the right ways.
As the Southeast-based series gears up for Round 1 at Guntersville State Park this May, AJSA is doubling down on what built it in the first place: a grassroots, racer-driven approach that keeps the focus exactly where it belongs—on the people in the water and in the pits.
“We’re entering our fourth full race season, and we’ve learned a lot in a short period of time,” said AJSA co-founder Brad Adams. “We’re excited this year to keep improving and striving to give the racer a top-tier racing experience that’s laced with fun that keeps people coming back round after round, and year after year.”
Attracting new competitors to the sport continues to be a priority focus for AJSA. “We want this sport to be contagious, and to attract new racers of all ages, and foster their development to a Pro level,” Adams told The Watercraft Journal.
Independent—and Dialed In
For 2026, AJSA continues to operate independently—a position that allows the organization to stay closely connected to its core mission.
While Adams expressed support for the momentum behind IHRA Professional Watercraft, he noted that independence ultimately gives AJSA the flexibility to shape its series around what its racers want most.
“We are excited about what the IHRA is doing, and supportive of the vision that was cast. The media coverage, sponsorship support and everything that IHRA Professional Watercraft organization is doing is impressive, and we’re thrilled about the positive impact there,” he said. “I think the hard part of our industry is that we all believe that we are doing the best thing for the sport, when in fact we are all doing our best, and our best might be different than someone else’s best. Operating independently is a double edge sword, but we feel that it will give us the autonomy to make decisions and guide our region the direction that the racers want it to move.”
What Racers Will Notice in 2026
If you’ve raced AJSA before, expect some familiar DNA—but with some meaningful upgrades.
At the top of that list is the addition of veteran race director Robert Sand, brought in to elevate consistency and professionalism across every round. From course design to race-day calls and protest handling, the goal is simple: fair, high-level competition.
“Having a race director that is independent of all racers ensures a level playing field,” Adams said.
AJSA is also introducing a Super Course Endurance format for the Pro/Am 300 class at select rounds—something that could shake up the runabout scene in a big way.
A Bigger Playground for Endurance Racing
The new endurance format isn’t just about adding another class—it’s about creating the right conditions for it to thrive.
By focusing efforts on three key rounds—Guntersville, Knoxville, and Macon—AJSA is aiming to bring more racers together on larger, more suitable courses.
“Our goal is to open up our doors to more racers, as well as give endurance racers another opportunity to compete,” Adams said. “I expect some of the race teams to utilize these races as an opportunity to test boats, stay sharp and prepare for the IHRA Pro Watercraft rounds.”
Keeping the Door Open for New Racers
Accessibility remains one of AJSA’s biggest priorities—and it shows in the continued push behind OEM-based classes.
From Pro Ski 1050 to Runabout 1100 and Junior Ski Futures, the idea is simple: make it easier for riders to show up and race without needing a full-blown custom build.
“We need watercross to be accessible,” Adams said. “The AJSA platform is very much focused on a new racer being able to pick up a new Yamaha Superjet, Jet Blaster or GP from the local Yamaha dealer like Mountain Motorsports or Alcoa Good Times and bring it out to race. The Runabout 1100 class makes it easy for anyone with a Seadoo Spark, Yamaha EX or comparable watercraft to get hooked, and become a regular at the track. Unless we continue to champion these classes, it will be tough for the sport to develop new racers in a meaningful way.”
Freestyle, Festivals, and a Bigger Spectator Experience
Beyond the racing itself, AJSA is continuing to build out the full event atmosphere—and that includes everything from freestyle exhibitions to full-on festival weekends.
Freestyle, in particular, is becoming a bigger piece of the puzzle.
“When you are riding at your local lake and someone sees your SuperJet or SXR, the first question they ask is ‘Can you backflip?’ They don’t know any better, but they do know that they’ve seen something cool on the internet. Freestyle at our events brings a unique spectator experience that the fans love to watch.” Adams said. “It adds a whole different layer to the event.”
That same thinking is driving AJSA’s push toward festival-style rounds, like the growing Independence Day event in Spindale, North Carolina, which has already drawn thousands of spectators with racing, food trucks, car shows, and fireworks.
More of that energy is spreading to other stops too—including a Saturday night concert planned for Knoxville.
All Eyes on Guntersville
The 2026 season officially gets underway May 8–10 at Guntersville State Park, and it’s a location that checks all the right boxes.
With expanded space, improved access, and a larger water area for the new endurance format, the venue sets the stage for what AJSA hopes will be a strong opening weekend.
“Guntersville loves racing, and they love their water—so it’s a natural fit,” Adams said. “We expect a great turnout, and racers will be itching to showcase what they’ve been working on all offseason.”
Between stacked Pro Ski 1050 competition, high-energy Runabout 1100 battles, and a new endurance element in the mix, Round 1 is shaping up to deliver exactly what AJSA has built its name on:
Close racing, strong community, and a weekend that keeps people coming back.
Full release below:
Guntersville State Park – Guntersville, AL
May 8–10, 2026
Backed by a 155mm pump, the PuttWave can reach a peak top speed of 8.3 miles per hour. Not bad, considering the deck’s 777-square feet of soil weighing 1,988-pounds and the 1,300 hull together puts the craft at 1.75 tons.
