IHRA Appoints Bob Teague as Chief Referee and Gary Stray as Technical Director for Offshore Powerboat Series

Veteran leadership and technical oversight reinforce IHRA’s commitment to consistency, innovation, and professional race operations.

FAIRFIELD, OH — January 26, 2026 — The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) today announced the appointment of Bob Teague as Chief Referee and Gary Stray as Technical Director for the IHRA Offshore Powerboat Series, strengthening race operations and technical oversight as the organization continues building a professional, and unified future for offshore racing.

The appointments bring decades of experience across officiating, race operations, boat construction, and technical enforcement; reinforcing IHRA’s focus on consistency, transparency, and long-term growth within the sport.

Leadership in Race Control

Teague brings more than 50 years of offshore racing experience to the Chief Referee role, having served in nearly every capacity within the sport, including racer, official, rule contributor, and race organizer. A former president of Pacific Offshore for more than a decade, Teague has overseen numerous events annually and understands the operational demands placed on teams, officials, and promoters alike.

“Offshore racing needs consistency and leadership that understands the sport from every angle,” said Teague. “IHRA’s vision and investment show a real commitment to moving offshore racing forward. My goal is to help deliver a fair, professional race environment where teams know what to expect and competition is decided on the water.”

Teague emphasized that enforcement and consistency will be central to this role.

“Tough calls are sometimes required, but they’re necessary to elevate the sport,” he said. “IHRA is building a strong staff that’s focused on doing things the right way, and I’m proud to be part of that effort.”

Technical Oversight and Innovation

Gary Stray has been named Technical Director for the IHRA Offshore Powerboat Series. He brings more than four decades of experience racing, building, and engineering offshore powerboats at the highest levels. His background includes extensive work with elite offshore teams such as the UAE Victory Team and Miss GEICO.

“This is one of those rare opportunities where real change is possible,” said Stray. “IHRA is investing in offshore racing in a way that allows it to evolve, not repeat the same patterns. IHRA leadership is open to innovation, and that’s what makes this opportunity exciting.”

“Our focus is on setting defined technical standards, enforcing them evenly, and removing ambiguity,” he said. “At the same time, we’re working toward introducing more data and technology into the sport that benefits teams, fans, and partners while helping offshore racing grow.”

Building the Future of Offshore Racing

The appointments of Teague and Stray represent a key milestone in IHRA’s offshore strategy as the organization continues to professionalize operations, improve the racer experience, and strengthen offshore racing’s national platform.

“This is a big win for IHRA to be able to have Bob and Gary come onboard leading their respective teams,” said Tommy Thomassie, Director of Powerboating for IHRA. “We also plan to provide them everything they need to make enormous positive impacts both in the short and long term. With Bob holding the line and keeping things fair, and Gary pushing us to both catch up to and then be at the forefront of motorsports, this is going to be an exciting time for IHRA in offshore.”

About the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA)

Founded in 1970, the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) is one of the most historic and recognizable brands in global motorsports. Under new ownership and leadership, IHRA is undergoing a comprehensive brand revitalization and strategic expansion across professional racing, sanctioning, and owned-track operations worldwide.

Today, IHRA operates and sanctions premier motorsports properties and a growing network of iconic racing facilities, delivering elite competition, world-class events, and meaningful community impact.