Water Course
Watch high-speed water racing on the Colorado River's Parker Strip in Parker, Arizona. This desert setting hosts intense drag boat competition, with vessels frequently hitting speeds over 200 MPH. Organized events from groups like ADBA and NBRA showcase these powerful hydroplanes. It offers a distinct kind of racing experience on the water.
Drag BoatADBANBRA200+ MPHDesert Racing
Watch: Parker Strip (Colorado River)
Know Before You Go
- Race schedule
- Powerboat venues typically host race weekends 3-8 times per season under APBA, OPC, or local sanction. Check the calendar — most weeks are open practice or quiet.
- Spectator access
- Shore-line viewing from a beach or pier is the standard vantage. Bring polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, and a chair — boat racing is a sunny stand-around sport.
- Class variety
- Look for tunnel boats, hydroplanes, jet boats, and offshore depending on water size. Race speeds range from 60 mph (small inland) to 180+ mph (offshore unlimited).