The Desert Storm Poker Run is now the property of the International Hot Rod Association, https://speedonthewater.com/internat...orm-poker-run/

Interesting move by IRHA, it will be exciting to see how they bring their racing experience into the poker run scene and what changes come next.

that's pretty big news! Sounds like they're going to bring offshore racing to Desert Storm. The one-time APBA brought joined with DS to have races in concert with DS was probably one of the coolest powerboating events I've ever attended. Poker run, shootout, offshore races and street party. It was OVER THE TOP.

IHRA is not messing around with the amount of purchases they are making. Hope it all works out well, I’ve loved the race coverage so far, so I’m looking forward to this as well. I never thought I’d see it.

I certainly hope they don't bring an OS race back to Lake Havasu. It's bad enough that they have an OS race on LOTO already. Watching big OS boats race around on a small body of flat water is about as exciting as watching submarine races (both in-person or on TV).If they want to bring back OS racing to the West Coast, they've got much better locations to choose from that were all former POPBRA venues - Dana Point, Ventura and San Francisco are all great locations for true offshore racing. They'll never sell this sport to a larger audience (TV) with flat water races.

Completely agree here. Went to the OS race at LOTO and after about 10 minutes we were all looking at each other and then we are like wellll this is boring let’s leave.

You guys need to get in a race boat and the boring factor will be gone. Flat water races are a different animal and you really get to set the boats up on the edge for top end. Some of my best memories are going into the turns side by side with 4 boats at the lake race, Lake Hopatcong, and at St. Clair (it reminded me of the D class hydro plane days when I was 14). Its also nice to have fresh water events where the boats don't get beat apart making it a thrash to show up again the following month. For the IHRA brand its also about being able to promote the jet ski event, the F1 event, now the DUX inflatables are also getting involved (these are classes that are much more relatable and attainable to the masses). They are going to locations where fans can see the action from the shore, a town or facility that can support the venue financially, offer adequate parking & pit areas etc. Its not just about the racers, its about the promotion, getting fans to see it, and areas that can support it. Most of the Florida races are a hassle for spectator parking and viewing on the beach. Michigan City is about as good as gets to me. Watching the shootout events is far from exciting but being a participant and the overall atmosphere changes everything.

Joe

I understand Joe, I just meant from a fan viewing perspective. No disrespect to the competitors, everything they do is very impressive.

I was at the havasu races. It was fun to watch. Boats flyin by at 100 plus super close, batteling it out. I don’t care if it’s flat or rough, it’s exciting to see them bad azz mo fo’s batteling it out on the course. When POPRA raced Huntington Beach it was all protected water, still awesome. I get what you’re saying Dale true open water offshore racing is absolutely hands down the best but I mean, you’re watching the EXACT same thing from the dock in key west as it is in havasu! Racin’s racin. Though I will say the offshore races in Ventura were insane. Always a huge swell off the point. We have some great photos of those races. BIG AIR.

Someone did mention on RDP it would be cool if the brought in F1 racing or cracker box in Thompson bay. That would be b*tchin

Yes and maybe we can have some of those center console fishing boats with a gazillion eggbeaters on the transom.

Padraig