More than 90 powerboats will race off Clearwater Beach Sept. 25-27, the largest field in the event's 17-year history, organizers announced.

The XINSURANCE Clearwater Offshore Nationals, now in its 17th year, is the third stop on the American Power Boat Association (APBA) National Championship Series. It also counts toward the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM) World Championship Tour. Race World Offshore, the Key West-based promoter that runs both series, announced the record entry list in an Aug. 26 press release.

"More than 90 raceboats tells you exactly what this beach means to offshore racing," Larry Bleil, president of Race World Offshore, said in the announcement. "Two championships are on the line in the same weekend."

Four classes to compete for dual championships

The UIM, powerboating's world governing body, now sanctions four classes of offshore racing worldwide: Class 1, Class 2, Super Cat and Super Stock. All four will compete off Clearwater.

Race times and viewing spots along the beach

Racing on Sept. 26 starts with the first green flag at 11 a.m. and the final checkered flag at 4:15 p.m. On Sept. 27, racing begins at 10:45 a.m. and wraps by 3:45 p.m.

Admission is free. The racecourse runs parallel to the shoreline, and fans can watch from Pier 60 north for about 2.5 miles up the beach.

Pit area expands to handle larger fleet

The dry pits return to Sand Key Park. With the record entry list, the pit footprint has expanded to two additional locations nearby, according to Race World Offshore.

ESPN special to air in 2027

Race World Offshore also said a one-hour television special will air on ESPN in the first quarter of 2027. The organization described the broadcast as putting offshore powerboat racing back on the network after a 23-year absence. Air dates have not been announced.

Sponsors and race week festivities

Visit St. Pete-Clearwater, the city of Clearwater and the U.S. Coast Guard are listed as event supporters. Live music is planned each night of race week at Shephard's Beach Resort.

Season wraps up in Key West

The World Championship Tour wraps up in Key West the first week of November. Full schedules and class lineups are posted on the Race World Offshore website.

Upcoming community events

  • Sept. 19 — Pollinator BioBlitz walk, Clearwater
  • Sept. 25-27 — XINSURANCE Clearwater Offshore Nationals, Clearwater Beach. Free admission. Sept. 26 green flag at 11 a.m.; Sept. 27 green flag at 10:45 a.m.