Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. has been confirmed as an official partner of the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) Pro Watercraft Racing Series, a development that cements the manufacturer's standing at the highest level of personal watercraft competition as the 2026 season gets underway.
The partnership was already visible on the water during the opening round of the 2026 IHRA Pro Watercraft National Tour in St Petersburg, Florida, where Yamaha WaveRunners were put to work supporting on-water operations and safety crews across the race weekend. That role will carry through the remainder of the national tour, with upcoming rounds in New Orleans and further events still to come.
At the core of the arrangement is Yamaha's provision of WaveRunners to the Progressive Safety Team, the group responsible for operational and rescue duties at every round. According to the IHRA, the WaveRunner platform's combination of reliability and performance makes it particularly well matched to the pressures of race management and emergency response on the water.
Yamaha is also the only manufacturer currently running a full factory-backed team at the top tier of IHRA Pro Watercraft competition, with Farthing Racing carrying that factory support into the field.
Bryce Parker, Yamaha WaveRunner Racing Manager, outlined what the tie-up means for professional watercraft racing. "We're excited to be part of the new IHRA Pro Watercraft National Tour and what it represents for the future of the sport," he said. "This series will elevate professional watercraft racing to the next level by bringing together top riders, competitive courses, and a national stage that showcases the performance and durability these machines are built for. Yamaha has a long history in racing, and we're proud to support a tour that will help grow the sport and inspire the next generation of racers."
The IHRA frames its Pro Watercraft Racing Series as an expanding national platform, drawing together elite riders, manufacturers and industry partners within a single championship structure. Founded in 1970, the organisation administers a broad spread of motorsport disciplines across the United States, with safety, racer participation and event development remaining central to its mission.
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. is a widely recognised name across the global powersports market, with a lineup that takes in WaveRunners, motorcycles, ATVs and side-by-side vehicles, all backed by an extensive international racing programme.
