What is the American Power Boat Association (APBA)? 

The American Power Boat Association (APBA) is a governing body for power boat racing in the United States. The APBA is the oldest racing organization in the United States and in 2003 APBA celebrated its 100-year anniversary. With more than 5,000 racing members, the APBA sanctions over 200 events each year for just about any motorized watercraft imaginable from Unlimited Hydroplanes to rough riding Offshore boats to Outboard Racing. 

 

What is the Three Rivers Outboard Association (TRORA)? 

We are a local club in the Western Pa, Ohio and Northern Kentucky area. We have been conducting Outboard races since 1957 and were first chartered in 1960 in Pittsburgh, Pa. Our current headquarters is located in Sharon, Pa.  We are a member of the APBA and conduct races under the APBA sanctioning body. We are guided by all APBA rules and regulations. We have conducted many Championship Races.  

 

Do I have to be an APBA member in order to race? 

Yes. In order to race in an APBA sanctioned event you need to be a competition member or you can sign up ONCE for a single-event competition membership. A single event membership is very inexpensive (see www.apba.org for more info) and only allows you the right to race one day but does not include any membership benefits. If you like it and decide to join, you just pay the remaining balance for a full membership, thus allowing you to race the rest of the year.

 

Do I have to be a TRORA member in order to race? 

You must be a member of one local club such as TRORA. All you have to do is join the local club in your area.  Just tell us where you’re from and we’ll point you in the right direction!

 

I've decided to become an APBA member, how do I sign up? 

There are two ways to join the APBA.

    1. On-line registration at www.APBA.org

    2. Download a membership application at www.apba.org and mail it to APBA.

 

What does the APBA Competition Membership include? 

For a very low fee, you can race in APBA sanctioned events all over the United States in either the Junior Division, Stock Outboard or Modified Outboard.  In addition to being able to race in the above events, you will also receive a membership kit which includes; the Propeller magazine, a membership card, APBA stickers, an APBA competition rule book, discount on APBA merchandise, and more!! 

Where do I get a rulebook?  You can download a rulebook at www.APBA.org

 

What are the different classes I can race in? 

New drivers can race in any class, provided they meet the age requirement. The APBA separates the younger drivers into our Junior Division, however many begin racing the Stock and Modified classes as soon as they reach the minimum age. 

 

How do I enter a race? 

The first thing you need to do is find who the race director in your area is and decide which event you want to attend. Once you've selected the racing events you want to attend.  All you have to do is show up Saturday morning for registration, complete an entry blank, pay your entry fee and you’re entered. 

 

What kind of safety gear do I need and where do I get it? 

Safety is a critical part of racing and should be taken very seriously. Helmets, lifejackets, footwear, and gloves are some of the equipment necessary. All of this equipment is available online.

 

What about numbers for my boat and what number can I run? 

The APBA will allow you to choose your own number IF that number has not been taken by an existing member. If you are from Ohio and you wanted the number 25, you would be assign 25-S. Numbers and letters must be white on black or black on white on the cockpit sides of runabouts and hydros. Clear, legible numbers are very important.  If the numbers cannot be read by the judge’s stand, they will require them to be corrected for the next heat.  See the rulebook for the minimum size of numbers and letters required.  Drivers can pick any number from 2 to 999. The number 1 is an earned number.

 

Where are the races? 

Just go to www.APBA.org, click on “Race Schedule” under “Events”. This will take you to all races scheduled thus far throughout the country.

 

How can I try this sport by just going for a ride somewhere first to see if I like it? 

TRORA and other outboard racing clubs will hold Driver School events during the racing season as selected locations. During these events you can learn all about racing and even take a ride in a real racing hydroplane.  If you have questions, please contact us using the contact link at the bottom of this page, no matter what part of the country you’re from.

 

Have a question not listed here? 

Please contact us using the convenient form at the bottom of our website.