Here’s this week’s WCJ Weekly Racing Roundup, where we break down what’s happening across the major PWC race series, look back at recent results, and set the stage for what’s coming next on the water.
wXgp
One of the most interesting developments in the PWC racing world this season isn’t a championship battle or a record-setting run. It’s the launch of wXgp, a new racer-driven series that aims to blend traditional watercraft competition with a full festival atmosphere. The inaugural wXgp event, the American Spirit Festival, is scheduled for June 26-28 at Altus Reservoir in Altus, Oklahoma. In addition to closed-course racing, organizers are planning a full weekend of entertainment, including freestyle exhibitions, slalom competition, live music, fireworks, a drone show, family activities, and a variety of festival-style contests as part of America’s 250th birthday celebration.
Series officials have also emphasized accessibility for newcomers, recently spotlighting several first-time racers preparing to compete at the opening event. The promotion reflects one of wXgp’s core goals: creating an entry point for new participants while maintaining opportunities for experienced competitors.
On the racing side, wXgp has announced more than $16,500 in payouts across multiple classes for the season opener. The series is partnered with the IHRA Pro Watercraft Series and currently has three events scheduled for 2026, with stops in Altus, Oklahoma; Little Elm, Texas; and Paris, Texas.
Western Canadian Watercross Association
The Western Canadian Watercross Association (WCWA) is counting down to the start of its 2026 season, with Rounds 1 and 2 scheduled for June 13-14 at Rattlesnake Lake near Medicine Hat, Alberta. The six-round championship will continue with stops at Stafford Lake near Lethbridge in July and Alberta Beach near Edmonton in August.
As preparations continue for the season opener, WCWA recently announced Conlon Motorsports St. Albert as the title sponsor for the 2026 tour, joined by a strong roster of supporting partners helping to grow watercross racing across Western Canada.
Perhaps the biggest story heading into the new season is WCWA’s aggressive push to bring new riders into the sport. The organization has introduced a series of incentives for the Medicine Hat opener, including 50 percent discounts on beginner and vintage race entries, reduced family registration rates, and a first-time racer subsidy that allows newcomers to try a day of racing before committing to a full membership.
WCWA officials say the program is designed to make racing more accessible while encouraging families and first-time competitors to experience the sport in a welcoming environment. Beginner classes are open to all personal watercraft 800cc and under, with organizers emphasizing a supportive atmosphere and opportunities to learn from experienced racers.
Pre-registration remains open for the Medicine Hat event, while racers planning to attend the July stop at Stafford Lake are encouraged to reserve campsites soon, as a limited number of discounted racer sites remain available.
Nauti Water Racing
Nauti Water Racing’s busy 2026 schedule shifts into high gear this weekend as the Mid-America Watercross Series opens its season June 6-7 at Hillsdale Lake in Kansas. Organizers are expecting a strong turnout as racers begin their pursuit of regional championships and Road to Havasu qualification opportunities.
The Mid-America series is one of several programs operating under the Nauti Water Racing umbrella, alongside the Outlaw Water Series and Lake Havasu WaterX. Together, the series form part of a broader competitive structure that feeds into the Liqui Moly Pro Watercross National Tour and the organization’s ongoing “Road to Havasu” championship initiative.
Registration for the Hillsdale opener closed June 3, with late entries subject to additional fees. Organizers are promoting the event as a welcoming environment for both veteran racers and newcomers looking to gain experience in regional competition.
Beyond Hillsdale, racers are already looking ahead to a busy summer schedule that includes upcoming stops in Lubbock, Texas; Grand Lake, Oklahoma; Norman, Oklahoma; and Lake Havasu, Arizona. Many of those events will serve as combo races, allowing competitors to earn points toward regional championships while simultaneously advancing their national Pro Watercross standings.
Great Lakes Watercross
After completing its opening two rounds at Bixler Lake Campground in Kendallville, Indiana, Great Lakes Watercross is already seeing several tight championship battles emerge across both individual and team competition.
The closest contest may be the 2026 Team Points Challenge, where RNR and Ignite’s 2 Wicked Racing are tied atop the standings with 480 points apiece. Jet Stars remain within striking distance at 466 points, while Jet Jockey and Milwaukee Motorsports round out the top five heading into the next stop of the season.
Several classes also produced early-season deadlocks. In Ski GP2, Camden Powell and Jay Finlinson are tied for the championship lead with 113 points each, while Justin Treder and Jack Eidt are locked at 113 points in Vintage Ski 550. Other current class leaders include Dustin Voss in Pro Am Ski Lites, Jason Seeley in Naturally Aspirated Runabout, Kyle Niquette in Runabout GP2, Justin Eblin in Sport Spec, Kali Bohat in Junior Runabout Lites, and Madison Elders in Women’s Runabout Lites.
The series now turns its attention to Janesville, Wisconsin, where Rounds 3 and 4 will take place June 27-28 at Traxler Park. Great Lakes Watercross continues to draw strong local support throughout the Midwest, with tourism organizations and host communities already promoting several upcoming race weekends, including the series’ August stop at North Beach in Racine, Wisconsin.
That’s a wrap on this week’s WCJ Weekly Racing Roundup. From regional championships to national tours, the 2026 season is already taking shape fast. For continued coverage across all major PWC series—including IJSBA and IHRA—stay tuned to The Watercraft Journal.
