The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) has announced Yamaha as an official partner of the IHRA Pro Watercraft Racing Series, strengthening the manufacturer’s involvement in professional personal watercraft competition as the 2026 season gets underway.
The partnership was already visible during the opening round of the 2026 IHRA Pro Watercraft National Tour in St Petersburg, Florida, where Yamaha WaveRunners supported on-water operations and safety teams throughout the race weekend. Yamaha’s involvement will continue across the remainder of the national tour, including upcoming rounds in New Orleans and beyond.
As part of the agreement, Yamaha is supplying WaveRunners for the Progressive Safety Team, assisting with key operational and rescue duties during events. IHRA says Yamaha’s reliability and performance make the craft ideally suited to the demands of race management and on-water safety.
Yamaha also remains the only manufacturer currently backing a full factory-supported team within the series, with Farthing Racing competing at the highest level of IHRA Pro Watercraft competition.
“We’re excited to be part of the new IHRA Pro Watercraft National Tour and what it represents for the future of the sport,” said Bryce Parker, Yamaha WaveRunner Racing Manager.
“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.”
IHRA says the Pro Watercraft Racing Series continues to grow as a national platform for PWC racing, bringing together leading riders, manufacturers and industry partners in a unified championship structure.
Founded in 1970, IHRA oversees multiple motorsport disciplines across the United States, with a focus on racer participation, safety and event development. Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. remains one of the leading names in powersports, producing WaveRunners, motorcycles, ATVs and side-by-side vehicles alongside an extensive global racing programme.
Learn more: Yamaha named official partner of IHRA Pro Watercraft Racing Series as season kicks off
