A New Era for Powerboating: IHRA Taps Thomas Thomassie to Lead the Charge

If you’ve been around the docks or the drag strips long enough, you know that the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) isn’t just about burning rubber on asphalt anymore. It’s about speed, pure and simple, whether that’s on the track or tearing up the open water. Recently, the organization dropped some massive news that is sending ripples through the entire powerboating community.

The headline? The IHRA has officially appointed a new captain to steer the ship. Thomas Thomassie has been named the Executive Vice President and Director of Powerboating. But this isn’t just a corporate title change. It feels like the start of a whole new chapter for the sport we love.

Thomas Thomassie Takes the Helm

For those of us who follow the ins and outs of the industry, the appointment of Thomas Thomassie makes all the sense in the world. This is a guy who has been in the trenches. From his involvement in sponsorship negotiations to his pivotal role in the success of Pro Class 1, he knows what it takes to make racing work, not just for the fans, but for the teams pouring their blood, sweat, and bank accounts into these machines.

There was a really genuine moment in Leah Martin’s announcement as the President of the IHRA. When you talk about corporate appointments, it usually feels stiff and rehearsed. But Martin’s take was refreshingly human. She admitted that when she took the presidency, building her team was the scariest and most important task. Her question to herself was simple: “If not me, then who?”

Her answer was immediate: Tommy.That kind of trust is rare. It tells us that this isn’t just a business deal. It’s a partnership built on shared vision and mutual respect. Thomassie is set to oversee everything from safety integration to the commercial strategy, and honestly, having a steady hand like his on the throttle is what the sport needs right now.

A Bold Vision for the IHRA Offshore Series

IHRA Owner Darryl Cuttell didn’t want just to maintain the status quo. He wanted to build a foundation that could support growth across every discipline the sanctioning body touches. By bringing in Thomas Thomassie, they are signaling that powerboating is a significant pillar of their future, not just a side project.

Thomassie himself seems fired up about the opportunity, calling the IHRA’s vision “bold and inclusive.” And when you look at what they have planned for 2026, “bold” might be an understatement. We are looking at a structure designed to give competitors a clear path to a championship, something that has been a bit murky in offshore racing in years past.

The 2026 Schedule: Where the Water Meets the Roar

Let’s get to the part every fan has been waiting for: the dates. The 2026 schedule is a tour of some of North America’s best water. We are kicking things off in the Sunshine State and running through the heartland before hitting the Gulf Coast. Here is where we will be racing in 2026:

• March 27–29: St. Petersburg, Florida (The perfect season opener)
• April 10–12: New Orleans, Louisiana (The Big Easy is going to get loud)
• May: TBA (Stay tuned!)
• June 12–14: Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri (Always a fan favorite)
• July 24–26: St. Clair, Michigan (A classic venue)
• August 7–9: Sheboygan, Wisconsin (Big water, big speed)
• September 11–13: Orange Beach, Alabama (Heading back down south)
• World Championship: Date & Location TBA

What jumps out at me here is the pacing. It’s a rigorous season, but it hits the sweet spots of American powerboating culture. St. Clair and Lake of the Ozarks are legendary for a reason—the atmosphere is electric.

Show Me the Money: A $2 Million Purse

Passion fuels the sport, but funding keeps the propellers turning. The IHRA dropped a bombshell regarding the financial side of the 2026 series. They are putting up a total purse of $2,000,000, plus tow money.

For the teams hauling massive catamarans and V-hulls across the country, that tow money is a lifeline. It shows that the organization understands the logistical nightmare and cost of competing at this level. On top of that, they are promising national television coverage. This is huge for sponsorship value. If teams can promise their sponsors airtime, the whole ecosystem gets healthier.

Looking Ahead to January

We are still waiting on the nitty-gritty details. Official class rules, the breakdown of that massive purse, and the broadcast specifics are slated to drop in mid-January. But for now, the message is loud and clear: The IHRA is serious about offshore powerboating, and with Thomas Thomassie leading the way, 2026 is shaping up to be a year for the record books.