Clearwater Offshore Nationals

The XInsurance Clearwater Offshore Nationals on September 24-27, 2026, will feature a new base for the race boats but the same excitement of high-speed racing within sight of the beach.

The sounds of seagulls and gentle waves on Clearwater Beach will be replaced by the thrilling roar of 90 race boats competing in the 2026 Xinsurance Clearwater Offshore Nationals on Sept. 24-27, 2026, with races held the weekend of Sept. 26-27. (See the full race schedule below.)

Specially built, low-slung boats up to 50 feet long will race in the Gulf at speeds up to 150 mph during the event. The competition for National Championships will be fierce, as the races in Clearwater are the last stop for boats and crews trying to qualify for the World Championships in Key West in November.

How to Watch the Clearwater Offshore Nationals

The races are free and will be easy to see! The 2.5-mile-long race course will be just a couple of hundred yards off and parallel to the beach. Turn One will be about 100 yards off Clearwater Beach’s famous Pier 60, where hundreds of people come watch the races while enjoying beautiful Gulf waters and soft, white sand. (In other words, you'll be close enough to see the action without binoculars! Though they would certainly add to the excitement.) 

A spectator fleet of privately owned and tour boats will anchor just offshore of the course in an area organizers have set aside for them. Tour boat companies such as Starlite Cruises usually offer race-day cruises and several beachfront hotels hold race watch parties. (More details will be added about cruises and watch parties as they become available.)

Public Transportation to the Races and Dry Pits

For those who want to limit driving, several public transportation options are available to get spectators to the event. The Jolley Trolley will take you from Pier 60 to the entrance of Sand Key Park, where the race boats are based. The trolley accepts tap-to-pay, payment through the Flamingo Fares app, or exact change in cash (no pennies).  

Clearwater Offshore Nationals 2026 Race Schedule

Thursday, September 24

7 am: Dry Pits Open
1 pm: Early Registration

Friday, September 25

9 am: Registration/Race Boat Inspections
9 am: Sunoco Fuel Truck Open
10 am: Dunker/Swim Testing

Saturday, September 26 (Race Day 1)

7 am: Mandatory Physicals
8 am: Mandatory Drivers Meeting
8 am: Boat Ramp & Crane Open/Sunoco Fuel Truck Open
9:30 am: Offshore Testing/Final Race Boat Inspections
12:15 pm: Qualifying (Class 1, Class 2, Super Cat, Super Stock)
12:45 pm: Race 1 – Bracket Classes 2, 3 & 4 and Super Stock
2 pm: Race 2 – Class 1 and Class 2
2:45 pm: Race 3 – Super Cat & Super Vee

Sunday, September 27 (Race Day 2)

7:30 am: Mandatory Physicals (Sunday racers only)
8 am: Chapel Service
8 am: Mandatory Drivers Meeting (Sunday racers only)
8 am: Boat Ramp & Crane Open/Sunoco Fuel Truck Open
11 am: Race 1 – Super Stock and Bracket Classes 5 & 6
11:45 am: Race 2 – Bracket Class 7 & Vee Limited
1 pm: Race 3 – Super Cat
1:45 pm: Race 4 – Mod Vee
3 pm: Race 5 – Class 1 & Class 2
7 pm: Awards Ceremony

About the Offshore Nationals Series

The event is sanctioned by Key West-based Race World Offshore and is professionally run, with repeated technical checks to keep things safe and fair, plus physical exams for racers the morning of their races and tests of the racers’ ability to escape an upside-down boat. During races, medical/rescue boats will be posted on the course to help any race boat that needs it.

See our article with additional information about the Clearwater Offshore Nationals