Formula One Powerboat National Championship Returns to Pittsburgh’s Three Rivers Beginning July 2027

The roar and speed of Formula One Powerboat racing will return to Pittsburgh’s iconic rivers, beginning July 4 weekend 2027, as SportsPITTSBURGH launches a new annual Fourth of July tradition that strengthens the city’s reputation as one of America’s premier sports and entertainment destinations.

Returning for the first time in a decade, the Pittsburgh Formula One Powerboat National Championship will headline the City’s Fourth of July celebration as part of a two-day land and water event. The event marks the beginning of a three-year partnership between SportsPITTSBURGH, a division of VisitPITTSBURGH, and the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) Powerboat Series.

"Western Pennsylvania is writing an exciting new chapter, and this event is another example of the momentum we're building together,” said Pennsylvania’s Lt. Governor Austin Davis. “As communities across the Commonwealth celebrate America250, bringing championship powerboat racing back to Pittsburgh creates an incredible new tradition that showcases our rivers, welcomes visitors from across the country and gives families another reason to celebrate right here in Pennsylvania."

"Pittsburgh has earned a national reputation for hosting world-class sporting events, and this partnership represents the next evolution of that success," said Jerad Bachar, President and CEO of VisitPITTSBURGH. "We're not simply bringing powerboat racing back to our rivers—we're creating a signature Fourth of July tradition that showcases one of Pittsburgh's greatest assets, strengthens our visitor economy and gives travelers another compelling reason to choose Pittsburgh year after year."

Pittsburgh will welcome IHRA’s premier Formula One powerboats—one of the sport’s fastest and most competitive racing circuits—as drivers battle for the National Championship on the challenging waters of the Allegheny River. Formula Lights and Tri-Hull classes will also compete throughout the weekend, creating an action-packed racing festival unlike anything else in the region.

“We’re thrilled to bring the inaugural Formula One Powerboat National Championship to Pittsburgh for the next three years,” said Tim Seebold, IHRA’s Managing Director of F1. “This is such a fabulous venue for these high-powered watercrafts, and, with the other two classes, we are looking for some great racing on these tricky waters.”

The Pittsburgh Formula One Powerboat National Championship also marks a milestone for SportsPITTSBURGH. While the organization has built a national reputation for attracting premier sporting events that drive visitation and economic impact, this will become the first event owned and operated by VisitPITTSBURGH's sports tourism division. The investment reflects a broader strategy to create signature experiences that leverage the region's unique assets, grow overnight visitation and generate long-term economic impact throughout Allegheny County.

"Tourism is one of Allegheny County's most important economic drivers, supporting thousands of local jobs and generating opportunities for businesses and communities across our region," said Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato. "Investments in signature events like the Pittsburgh Formula One Powerboat National Championship strengthen our visitor economy while showcasing our rivers, our neighborhoods and the energy that continues to define Allegheny County as a destination on the rise."

Racing will be the marquee event during the two-day celebration, but fans can also expect a variety of exciting, free, and family-friendly entertainment, including fly-boarders, stunt dogs, a dramatic drone light show and other activities.

“Major events like this are a win for our city,” said Mayor Corey O’Connor. “They bring local families and visitors to the riverfronts, create vibrancy Downtown and support our local businesses. Adding the Formula One Powerboat National Championship to Pittsburgh’s Independence Day celebration is an exciting opportunity to create a new tradition on our rivers.”

The Pittsburgh Formula One Powerboat National Championship reflects SportsPITTSBURGH's vision of Where Sport Forges Impact. By attracting and creating world-class sporting events, the organization harnesses the power of sport to drive visitation, fuel economic growth, strengthen communities and showcase Pittsburgh's greatest competitive advantage—its people, its place and its spirit of partnership.

High-res imagery available here

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About SportsPITTSBURGH
SportsPITTSBURGH, a division of VisitPITTSBURGH, attracts and supports sporting events that drive economic impact and elevate Pittsburgh’s global profile. Forged by partnership and powered by place, SportsPITTSBURGH delivers world-class events that leave a lasting legacy.