International Hot Rod Association Adds Offshore Powerboat Association To ‘Unification Alignment’
Having closed its deal to acquire the assets and race-site contracts of Powerboat P1/ P1, the International Hot Rod Association has reached an agreement to bring the Offshore Powerboat Racing into its organizational/unification plans for the 2026. The OPA team will work at an operations levels with the long-established drag-racing organization, which announced its commitment to offshore racing in late 2025.
The Offshore Powerboat Association is now under the IHRA umbrella. Photo by Pete Boden copyright Shoot 2 Thrill Pix.
“Unifying OPA, PRO (Professional Racing Offshore) and P1 under the IHRA umbrella brings the sport back together in a way that offshore racing has needed for a long time,” said Leah Martin. the president of IHRA, in release from the organization. “Our goal is simple—grow the sport, support the teams, and bring consistency to how offshore racing is sanctioned and managed. By aligning the major organizations, we’re delivering stability and a shared vision that benefits every level of the sport.”
Now a member of the IHRA teams, OPA president Nick Smith will work closely with the outfit on its offshore-racing initiatives. Smith will serve in an onsite race logistics role, “supporting events and ensuring consistent operational execution across offshore race sites,” according to the release.
“Nick’s experience and leadership bring tremendous value to the unified offshore program,” Martin said. “IHRA will work directly with OPA to support their races, enhance event operations, expand media exposure, and ensure racers experience a consistent, professional standard at every sanctioned race.
“This collaboration marks a new era for offshore racing—one built on partnership, transparency, and a collective commitment to the sport’s future,” she added.
Related stories
IHRA Ups The Ante—$2 Million Purse For Offshore Racing In 2026
Straight Talk With IHRA President Leah Martin—Interview No. 2
Interview—Straight Talk With IHRA Executive Leah Martin
IHRA Purchases Powerboat P1 USA/P1 Offshore
and then