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The Formula 1 Powerboat Championship returns to Port Neches for its annual participation in RiverFest 2025. The event is set to begin its 2025 season at RiverFest. 

“I explain it like this. This is the Indy 500 car race but in the water,” said David LeJeune, Boat Race Committee Chair. “This is the number one boat racing in the United States and this is their number 1 spot they come to.”

Established in 2017, the Formula 1 Powerboat Championship seeks to showcase Powerboats and Powerboat racers as they cut through waves going up to 130 mph. Racers come from all over the country and Canada to compete in Port Neches for the first race of the season.  

The boats come in three different categories: Formula 1, the fastest of the boats, capable of reaching up to 130 mph, Formula Lights, built for those training to become Formula 1 racers and Tri-Hull boats, described as “Bumper Cars” on water. Over 40 different racers will participate in the competition, including some from the local Southeast Texas area. 

“(The Racers) say it’s their favorite event,” LeJuene said. “It’s one of the better turnouts that people come and watch. They love the setup, they love running on the river and they love our festival, they’ll all tell you it’s their favorite event of all.”  

The races are not just competition, they are a chance for the community to gather to participate in and spectate a decade-long tradition, not just for Port Neches but for the boat racing community across the country. 

“Our mission is simple—create unforgettable events that spotlight the raw power of Formula 1 boats while investing in local economies and celebrating our passionate fanbase,” said Tim Seebold, Managing Director of the Formula 1 Powerboat Championship. “We appreciate our partners’ alignment with our organization’s goals. Our strong 2025 national schedule offers a diverse mix of annual and new markets, assuring our future growth.”

The race is set for May 3-4, with Safety Inspection and Registration beginning at 7 a.m. A full schedule is available on the pnriverfest.com website.