The Super Cat class has signed on with the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) for the 2026 season, entering the newly formed IHRA Offshore National Championship Series as the organisation moves to consolidate and strengthen offshore powerboat racing across the United States.
Super Cat teams will race across a seven-race national series as part of IHRA's inaugural offshore championship structure, with the season building toward a World Championship finale. IHRA has flagged more than US$2 million in prize money and tow support across the series, a figure the organisation describes as a genuine long-term investment in the growth of offshore racing.
Super Cat class representative Vinnie Diorio said the alignment came down to what teams had been looking for in a national platform.
"Super Cat teams want a national platform that's professional, consistent and built to grow," Diorio said. "IHRA has made it clear they're serious through meaningful prize money, a real commitment to supporting teams on the road, and a broadcast strategy that helps our sport reach more fans and deliver more value for sponsors."
Diorio pointed to IHRA's early actions, including a US$250,000 purse at Key West, as the reason confidence among team owners had grown ahead of the new season.
"IHRA didn't just talk about raising the bar, they followed through," he said. "The 2026 structure gives teams and partners something they can plan around with confidence."
Eleven teams have already committed to the 2026 campaign: Dirty Money Racing, Speed Marine, Wicked, CR Racing, Team Farnsworth, Howe 2 Live Offshore, Lucky 13 Racing, CJ Grant Racing, EWB Racing, SV Offshore / Rollin Transport, and Rip-It Racing.
Super Cat is one of offshore racing's flagship categories. The class features twin-hull catamarans ranging from 38 to 44 feet in length, each powered by twin 850hp engines, with top speeds approaching 140mph.
IHRA President Leah Martin described the addition of Super Cat as a meaningful step toward building a credible national structure for the sport.
"This is about delivering a clear championship pathway, elevating the fan experience, and creating more visibility and value for teams, sponsors and host communities," Martin said.
IHRA was founded as a racer-focused sanctioning body and currently oversees a broad range of motorsport disciplines, among them drag racing, offshore powerboating, stock car racing, and snowmobile competition.
