formula 1 powerboat

December 12, 2023

The Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission has announced the return of Formula 1 Powerboat Racing to Shreveport-Bossier with the Red River Rumble F1 Powerboat Showdown, scheduled to take place May 24-26, 2024, over Memorial Day weekend. This event will feature approximately 50 high-speed powerboats along the Red River.

“On behalf of the Formula 1 Powerboat Championship, we are very excited to bring Formula 1 powerboat racing back to Shreveport-Bossier for the first time since 2018,” says Tim Seebold , Managing Director of the Formula 1 Powerboat Championship. “Shreveport holds a special place in my heart as it was the site of my last National Championship before retiring from driving.”

The Formula 1 Powerboat Championship is an eight-race series contested across North America. US Powerboat racing has a 120-year heritage that began with the formation of the American Powerboat Association. For the last six decades, F1 powerboats have been recognized as one of the world's most spectacular racing vehicles. This Powerboat event provides a prime opportunity for Shreveport-Bossier to highlight its expertise in hosting water-based sporting events, drawing more visitors to our vibrant city.

“We are looking forward to bringing Powerboats back to the Red River and Shreveport-Bossier in 2024-2026,” says Sara Nelms , Director of Sports for the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission. “We are excited to host this event in conjunction with Mudbug Madness and showcase the world class Formula 1 drivers. Thank you to the Red River Waterway Commission and Margaritaville Resort Casino that have already come on as sponsors for the event.”

The Red River Rumble F1 Powerboat Showdown will happen the same weekend as Mudbug Madness 2024 in Festival Plaza in downtown Shreveport. This F1 Powerboat event will present viewers with heart pounding, up close and personal, racing action in downtown Shreveport, and will enhance the Mudbug Madness experience for festival goers. General admission viewing is also free to the public and there will also be a VIP area at the Shreveport Aquarium and tickets will go on sale at a later date.

“On behalf of the Mudbug Madness Festival, we are excited that Formula 1 Powerboat Racing will be taking place the same weekend as our festival on the Shreveport Riverfront,’ says Terri Matthews , Event Coordinator for Mudbug Madness. “Our mission is to support and promote projects and events to enhance downtown and the synergy this will bring will do just that.”

The competition begins with 20 boat fields lined up awaiting the start. At the drop of the flag, the drivers ignite their engines and accelerate towards the first turn. This spectator-friendly event provides non-stop racing action due to the tight courses which are made up of right and left-hand turns. No two laps are the same due to the changing wind and water conditions, making the F1 boat one of the most challenging racing machines to conquer.

“The Commission is excited to announce its participation in the F1 Powerboat Championship Series in 2024,” says Dustin Hayes , Marketing Director for the Red River Waterway Commission. “Our primary objective is to promote the economic and recreational development of the Waterway. Events like this, held in conjunction with Mudbug Madness, help raise awareness and showcase the recreational opportunities available along the Waterway. We highly value our ongoing partnership with the Shreveport-Bossier Sports Commission and eagerly anticipate future collaborations as we serve the people of Caddo-Bossier and the surrounding areas encompassing the Red River Waterway District.”

In addition to the riveting races, the event will feature a family-friendly atmosphere, complete with an open pit area that allows fans to meet the drivers and get a close look at the machines they drive. This opportunity to connect with the sport and its athletes adds an extra layer of excitement for attendees of all ages.

“We’re excited to be the exclusive casino sponsor for the Red River Rumble F1 Powerboat Showdown in 2024,” says Dan Ihm , General Manager and Senior Vice President for Margaritaville Bossier City. “This sponsorship reflects our commitment to boosting community engagement and economic growth, while bringing the pulse-pounding excitement of high-speed boat racing to Shreveport-Bossier. Get ready for a weekend of Margaritaville-style thrills."

The Red River Rumble F1 Powerboat Showdown promises to be an exhilarating blend of high-speed competition and family-friendly entertainment. Boating enthusiasts and community members are invited to join for a memorable weekend of powerboat racing along the Red River in Shreveport-Bossier.

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F1 Powerboat Championship

The excitement is building for Mississippi River racing! The F1 Powerboat Alton Midwest Championship returns to the Alton Riverfront June 21-23, 2024. Make plans to attend now.

Buy Your F1 Powerboat Tickets Here!

Mississippi River Festival Tickets

Register Your Team for Cornhole Tourney

MRF After Party

Schedule of Events

Thursday, june 20, 2024.

2 p.m. - 5 p.m.: Vendor Display Booth Move In

Friday, June 21, 2024

9 a.m. - 11 a.m.: Water Safety Zone & Race Course Set Up

11 a.m. - 5 p.m.: Alton Marina Ramp Closure

8 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Series Safety Inspection & Registration

Vendors and Food Tents Open

2 p.m. - 6 p.m.

1 p.m. - 2 p.m.: Formula 1 Testing

2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.: Formula Lights Testing

2:45 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.: Tri Hull Testing

3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.: Formula 1 Testing

4:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.: Water Safety Zone & Race Course Removal

5 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.: Boat Line Up - Street Party

5:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.: Boat Escort/Parking - Street Party

Meet & Greet Street Party

Mac's Downtown

6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Meet the drivers and view all the powerboats in the Alton Midwest Nationals. Food, music and fun!

8:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.: Boat Escort Back to the Pits

Saturday, June 22

8 a.m. - Noon

Alton Farmers and Artisans Market at Flock Food Truck Park

9 a.m. - 11 p.m.

7 a.m. - 9 p.m.: Water Safety Zone and Race Course Set Up

7 a.m. - 6 p.m.: Alton Marina Ramp Closure

7 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.: Series Safety Inspection & Registration

9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Watch the powerboat races. The outdoor vendor area includes event sponsors, racing teams, local shops, and food trucks. A VIP tent is also located in this area. Tickets for the VIP tent are available.

9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.: Tri Hull Testing 9:30 a.m. - 10 a.m.: Formula 1 Testing 10 a.m. - 10:20 a.m.: Formula 1 Lights Testing 10:20 a.m. - 11 a.m.: Formula Lights Qualifying, 3 minutes + 1 lap 11 a.m. - 11:40 a.m.: Formula 1 Qualifying, 4 minutes + 1 lap 11:40 a.m. - 12:40 p.m.: River Open/Drivers Meeting All Classes 12:40 p.m. - 1 p.m.: Water Safety Zone & Race Course Set Up 1 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.: Tri Hull, Heat 1, 7 laps, Draw for Position 1:20 p.m. - 2 p.m.: Formula 1, Heat 1 Group A, 8 minutes + 1 lap 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.: Formula Lights, Heat 1, 6 minutes + 1 lap 2:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.: Formula 1, Heat 1 Groups B, 8 minutes + 1 lap 3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.: River Open 3:45 p.m. - 4 p.m.: Water Safety Zone & Race Course Set Up 4: p.m. - 4:20 p.m.: Tri Hull Heat 2, 7 laps, Reserve Order of Finish 4:20 p.m. - 4:50 p.m.: Formula 1, Heat 2 Group A, 8 minutes + 1 lap, Reverse Order of Finish 4:50 p.m. - 5:20 p.m.: Formula Lights, Heat 2, 6 minutes + 1 lap, Reverse Order of Finish 5:20 p.m. - 6 p.m.: Formula 1 Heat 2 Group B, 8 minutes + 1 lap, Reverse Order of Finish

Mississippi River Festival

5 p.m.: doors open, 6 p.m. - 11 p.m.: mississippi river festival, sunday, june 23, vendors and food tent open.

9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Cornhole Tourney

9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Registration: 8 a.m.

Tourney Start: 9 a.m.

7 a.m. - 9 a.m.: Water Safety Zone & Race Course Set Up

7 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Alton Marina Ramp Closure

9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.: Formula Lights Heat 3, 6 minutes Reverse Order of points

9: 30 a.m. - 10 a.m.: Tri Hull Heat 3, 7 laps, Reverse Order of Point

10 a.m. - 11 a.m.: River Open/Drivers Meeting All Classes

11 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.: Water Safety Zone & Race Course Set Up

11:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.: Opening Ceremonies

12 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.: Formula 1 Heat 3 Group A 8 minutes + 1 lap, Reverse Order of Points

12:30 p.m. - 12:50 p.m.: Tri Hull Heat 4 7 laps Reserve Order of Points

12:50 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.: Formula 1 Heat 3 Group B 8 minutes + 1 lap Reverse Order of Points

1:20 p.m. - 1:50 p.m.: Formula Lights, Final 15 minutes + 1 lap

1:50 p.m. - 2:20 p.m.: River Open

2:20 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.: Water Safety Zone & Race Course Set Up

2:30 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.: Tri Hull Final 20 laps

3:15 p.m. - 4 p.m.: Formula 1 Final 17 minutes + 1 lap

Formula 1: 17 minutes +1 Lap

Awards Presentation

The champions are crowned! Don't miss this special presentation on the Alton Riverfront.

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2024 Alton Midwest Nationals

Jun 21, 2024 to jun 23, 2024, event results, race results.

	Jun 22, 2024 at 11:13am
	Jun 22, 2024 at 11:29am
	Jun 22, 2024 at 11:43am
	Jun 22, 2024 at 10:33am
	Jun 22, 2024 at 10:46am
	Jun 22, 2024 at 10:52am
	Jun 23, 2024 at 12:23pm
	Jun 23, 2024 at 11:57am
	Jun 23, 2024 at 10:23am
	Jun 22, 2024 at 4:39pm
	Jun 22, 2024 at 3:53pm
	Jun 22, 2024 at 2:41pm
	Jun 22, 2024 at 1:35pm
	Jun 23, 2024 at 3:25pm
	Jun 23, 2024 at 2:28pm

Event Stats

Race Track
Alton, IL
Registrations
34 Total Entries 33 Unique Drivers
Just for Fun
Total Laps Run By All Racers
1,235
Total Time on Track By All Racers
18 hours, 28 minutes, 36 seconds

Race Lineups

Confirmed Entry List

Seeding Grid Order (Round 1)

Qualifying Grid Order

Qualifying Grid Order

Qualifying Grid Order

Qualifying Grid Order

Race Grid Order

Industry Leading Result Accuracy

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An overview of F1 Powerboat

WHAT IS FORMULA 1 RACING?

Formula 1 Powerboat racing is the most spectacular watersport in the world. It has been described as driving the F1 race car at full speed over a ploughed field. Formula 1 Powerboats accelerate faster than even the most state-of-the-art F1 cars; they are capable of going from standstill to 160 kilometres per hour in only 4 seconds.

Impressive as this is by itself, they compete at these speeds without the use of brakes or gears. It is competitive, fascinating, challenging, daring, risky and entertaining. Formula 1 Powerboat racing is the ultimate extreme sport.

DEFYING THE LAWS OF GRAVITY

Formula 1 Powerboat racing has to be seen to believe. Spectators who are new to this most spectacular watersport are invariably left spellbound when they witness these lightweight catamarans defying the laws of gravity and virtually lifted in the air during high-speed manoeuvre with only a portion of the boat in contact with the water.

It is amazing that these boats can manage to maintain their balance in more than 225kph, taking hairpin turns at 150 kph without brakes and shifting gears, what's more with limited visibility, One tiny error of judgement would spell high-speed disaster.

Driving a powerboat is like piloting a fighter jet. F1 pilots need to have that split-second decision making capability and nerves of steel because once strapped into his fully enclosed safety capsule, he has only his skills, courage and a certain amount of luck to achieve success on the race circuit.

The rivalry between powerboat pilots often thrill the crowds with near-collision overtaking and daring acts as they blazed their boats across the water in high-octane velocity, considerable dexterity and finely tuned driving skills.

THE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

Inaugurated in 1981, this international competition is similar to F1 for cars and similar rules apply. Across the world, teams of different nationalities compete in the Grand Prix, which is regulated by the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM).

THE CHAMPIONSHIP RACES

Races are organised at selected locations around the world based on the water conditions, infrastructures, public access, local hotels amenities and telecommunication facilities. Starting 2009 season, during each F1 World Championship venue there are two Grand Prix races – one race on each day of the venue. Each race lasts for 30 minutes of racing time + 2 laps with up to 24 boats hurtle around the race circuit at thundering speed of 225kph (130mph). All races are broadcast worldwide on TV, on local channels and international networks.

THE CIRCUITS

Every race circuit is different in size, but are generally about 2000 meters in distance. Each circuit has at least one long straightaway and several tight turns, mostly left with one or two right turns. The turns produce a G-force of up to 4.5 on the driver, which means his weight is multiplied 4.5 times as he makes a tight U-turn at over 100 mph (F1 car drivers endure only 2.5).

WATER CONDITIONS

Water conditions play a major part in the outcome of each Grand Prix. With water current and wind conditions varying on every lap and spray being continually showered over the tiny console screen, pilots are quite often driving 'blind' at full speed, mere inches away from their rivals. In the event of a 'barrel-roll' (capsize), a mandatory air bag installed above the pilot's head will inflate upon contact with water. This enables the cockpit to remain above water until rescue arrives. All pilots have a self-contained air supply fitted inside the capsule as an added safety features.

EVENT STARTING POSITIONS

Pole position and starting line-ups are determined by a qualifying session preceding each Grand Prix race. State-of-the-art timing equipment records the performances of each boat to decide the final classification and starting positions.

Each team consists of a manager, one or two pilots, mechanics, radio coordinator, technical coordinator and equipped with infrastructure such as trailer workshop and welcome marquee. They should have one or two catamarans fitted with 2.5 litre engine and compete between 8 to 10 Grand Prix events that make up a full season.

Imagine this: up to 24 lightweight, 16-foot carbon fiber catamaran hurtle around a racing circuit at speeds topping 225kph (130mph); all boats are powered by highly tuned V6 outboard engines, each pumping out 425 horsepower at 10,000 rpm; they boast an awesome power to weight ratio, weighing in at around 500 kilos with a 425hp fully-tuned engine strapped on the transom; they have no brakes or gearboxes. Yes, These are F1 Powerboats.

THE CHAMPIONS

In the last four years there have been four different drivers who have become World Champion. The latest is the American Jay Price who drives for the Qatar Team.

There are a number of new pilots who are making the race more competitive than ever. At each event, about twenty to twenty four pilots represent at least 12 nations, not to mention the countless sponsors, managers, radiomen and women, team members, safety crews and boats, medical staff, doctors, and spectators. The atmosphere is buoyant as tension mounts amongst the competitors, all of whom have worked so hard to be worthy of competing in the F1 Powerboat World Championships.

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U.I.M. F1H2O Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi
Thursday December 8
10:15 - 11:15
15:30 - 16:30	Qualifications
	-     -
Friday December 9
10:15 - 11:15
15:30 - 16:30

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UIM F1H2O World Championship
	SAU		Mar 30	C
	POR		May 19	C
	FRA		Jul 7	C
	CHN		Oct 19	C
	CHN		Oct 20	C
	UAE		Dec 21	C
	QAT	Doha	Mar 11	C
date and venue could be changed

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Nominees Profile

F1H2O Nations Cup Singapore 2011
Friday Nov 18
11:00 - 13:00
Saturday Nov 19
11:00 - 12:00
12:00 - 13:00
15:30 - 17:30
Sunday Nov 20
11:00 - 12:00
16:00 - 17:00

Grand Prix of China - Xiamen
01	Shaun Torrente
02	Philippe Chiappe	+ 0.91 secs
03	Jonas Andersson	+ 2.75 secs
Fastest Lap
Shaun Torrente		0:56.12
Pole Position
Shaun Torrente		0:50.87

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The Formula One Powerboat Championship

The Formula One Powerboat Championship is a 6-race series contested  across North America from May through September. Established in 2017, the series  features weekend long community events highlighted by 20+ Formula 1 boats reaching speeds of 120 mph. U.S. Powerboat racing first began in 1903. Formula One racing for the last five decades, has been recognized as one of the world’s most spectacular racing experiences. The F1 boats lightning quick speeds of 120 mph, razor sharp turns, create nonstop challenges for the world class drivers.  The up close and personal, deck to deck, sponson banging competition creates thrills rarely experienced by boat racing fans. Each race is more than a series of one-day events, these races have evolved into the marquee event for weekend long multi-interest community festivals. The races produce the largest entertainment event in the markets they visit, increase regional awareness while generating tourism dollars for the local economy. Beyond the live attendance, the events provide media exposure, both nationally and worldwide through international coverage including live streaming on our social media outlets as well as traditional outlets. Through live attendance and media coverage, the series reaches millions of loyal fans each season.

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F1 Powerboats are sleek, glamorous, light weight and extremely maneuverable. The power to weight ratio is among the highest in all of motorsports. The performance speaks for itself, accelerating from 0-100 mph in under 5 seconds keeping it on par with a Formula 1 car. Top speeds in access of 120 mph with the capability of taking a 180- degree corner at 100 mph, pulling 7+ G’s in the process making them the hardest turning race vehicle in the world!

F1 Powerboat competition starts with a 20+ boat field lined up on the start pontoon with their engines silent. At the drop of the green flag these world class drivers ignite them to life with their engines roar, shooting thousands of gallons of rooster tailed water over 150′ as the accelerate towards the first turn. This spectator friendly racing on a tight course is made up of a combination of right and left hand hairpin turns with various straight aways providing deck to deck actions right in front of the fans viewing area. With no two laps the same due to the ever changing wind and water conditions makes the F1 boat one of the most challenging racing machines on the planet.

Formula Lights

Formula Lights (support class) Speeds typically of 67-70 mph that race on a 35 second course. These 12-foot tunnel boats are equipped with a 44.9 cu. In. two cylinder engine. Looks like the F1 boat but smaller.

Tri Hull (support class) the boats are based on the pleasure boat tri hull design. Equipped with a safety roll cage to protect the driver who is strapped in with a 5-point safety harness. Powered by a maximum of a 100 cu. In. motor. This is our only class that has a claiming rule on the engines. The Tri Hull class is known for its bumping and banging water churning competition.

J Hydro (support class) Speed: 40 mph Engine: 9.9 hp J Hydro class was integrated into the series as an outlet to train and groom our youth into the future racers of America. Kids, ages 9-16, can learn the basics of racing through experience in these 12′ knee rider boats propelled by 9.9hp outboard engines. Knowledge of the sport is gained in a comfortable environment with constant, constructive guidance and direction from all involved. All the propellers are owned by the series with the small driver’s picking each weekend propeller by lottery to keep a level playing field amongst themselves.