Of the 94 teams currently registered for the Race World Offshore Key West World Championships next week, 38 are of them are of the Bracket-class kind. For offshore racing fans who might not know, each Bracket class is limited to a top speed for teams in their respective Bracket categories. The basic goal is to enable boats of various configurations to compete against one another.
Bracket-class racing also enables competitors to enter offshore racing at a relatively affordable cost. It helps feed the sport while providing solid action for fans.
The Bracket 700-class Dirt Legal/Velocity comes to Key West as the American Power Boat Association National Champion. Photos from Englewood Beach Waterfest 2026 by Pete Boden copyright Shoot 2 Thrill Pix.
But it’s far from as easy as it sounds. It takes tremendous discipline and teamwork between the drivers and throttlemen to not exceed a given speed-limit when they know their boats are capable—as they usually are—of going much faster.
Like the Class 1, Super Cat, Class 2, Mod V and Cat 300 Spec or “Pro” classes, the Bracket group will race next Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
Here’s a quick look at the breakdown by class according to the current registration sheet on the Race World Offshore website:
• Bracket 200—four teams: Justice League, H20 Performance, OC Racing and Victory Racing. OC Racing was the American Power Boat Association National Champion.
• Bracket 300—four teams: WeHaulBoats.com, Shocker Offshore Racing, Team Woody Racing, Herbott Racing. Herbott Racing was the American Power Boat Association National Champion.
• Bracket 400—six teams: Smokin Tuna, Framed Offshore, Saris Racing Engines, Unleashed Racing, Killin It Offshore Racing, Team 07 Racing and Simmons Marine. Hartman/XINSURANCE was the American Power Boat Association National Champion.
• Bracket 500—nine teams: Legend 504, Tuff Noogies, Bronx Phantom Marine, Rum Runners, EBE Racing, Goumada, Back In Action, Team Yabbadabbado and Fuel 1 Offshore Racing. EBE Racing was the American Power Boat Association National Champion.
• Bracket 600—six teams: Islandscapes, Moderation, Ride Legal Velocity, Twisted Throttles Offshore Racing, American Hustle and Geraud Marine. Moderation was the American Power Boat Association National Champion.
• Bracket 700—nine teams: Team Punisher, BHHS Quick Close, Proven Marine, 3rd Edition, Yacht Management Racing, Team Progression, Pist ‘N Broke, Irish Kevin’s and Dirt Legal/XINSURANCE. Dirt Legal/XINSURANCE was the American Power Boat Association National Champion.
With 38 teams signed up so far, the Bracket-class action will be hot and heavy next week in Key West.