International Hot Rod Association acquires P1 Offshore
The Mercury Racing Midwest Challenge has been held in Sheboygan since 2023
SHEBOYGAN — The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) has acquired Powerboat P1 USA / P1 Offshore, a move that signals another major step forward in the evolution of professional powerboat racing.
The acquisition brings together two prominent motorsport organizations under one banner and lays the foundation for a unified and expanded 2026 racing season. IHRA Powerboat Racing Series also confirmed that discussions with Race World Offshore (RWO) remain ongoing regarding future alignment.
Sheboygan has hosted P1 Offshore races in 2025, 2024 and 2023. P1 organizers and the City of Sheboygan agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the 2025 and 2026 races. While organizers have not officially confirmed the races are returning, the 2026 races are tentatively scheduled for Saturday, August 8th and Sunday, August 9th according to documents submitted to the city.
“This acquisition represents a new era of leadership and vision for IHRA,” said Darryl Cuttell, Owner & CEO of the International Hot Rod Association. “We are committed to elevating the sport of powerboat racing through innovation, unity, and global reach. Together, we will build an organization that champions excellence, expands opportunity, and inspires the next generation of racers and fans.”
As part of its continued investment in organizational and competitive growth, IHRA recently expanded its Board of Directors with the addition of Tyler Miller and Randy Scism. Miller, a veteran team owner and longtime champion racer and supporter of offshore racing, and Scism, founder of Marine Technology Inc. (MTI) and one of the sport’s most respected builders and champions, bring decades of leadership and expertise to the board.
“IHRA’s leadership brings new energy and scale to powerboat racing,” said Azam Rangoonwala, Chief Executive Officer of Powerboat P1 USA / P1 Offshore. “Their commitment to professionalism and growth ensures that the sport will continue to thrive and connect with audiences around the world.”
Their appointments underscore IHRA’s commitment to advancing the sport through collaboration, innovation, and racer-focused development. This comes shortly after the IHRA announcing an unprecedented prize purse amount of $250,000 to be awarded to the different classes of offshore racing at the RWO Key West Offshore World Championship, as well as a staggering $1 million dollar prize purse over the course of the 2026 season. Cuttell also acquired the Southern Drag Boat Association in early September and announced a prize purse of $340,000 per event. The IHRA will be the sanctioning body all powerboat racing under their umbrella.
The newly formed IHRA Offshore Racing Series will debut in 2026, featuring premier race venues, enhanced media coverage, and a unified competition structure. Further details, including the 2026 race schedule and partnership initiatives, will be announced in the coming weeks.
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