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Outboard Drag

Nitro Fuel, Rocket Speeds

Outboard Drag racing is a full-out race to the finish line; no turns to slow you down in these firebreathers. Huge engines (up to 300 HP) power Drag boats to speeds of 150 MPH or more. Drag is the only APBA category to allow nitro fuel, and it shows in the rocket speeds. Setup and engine building are crucial to success in Outboard Drag. Every second counts on the quarter-mile or 1/8-mile track. This category is unmatched for intense excitement and high performance.

Classes

The APBA Outboard Drag rules mirror the rules of the Outboard Drag Boat Association (ODBA) within APBA Bylaws and Safety Regulations. Boats are paired in "brackets" for each heat. Each winner goes on to race his counterpart from another bracket until the final, where the top racers from each set of brackets face off.

Outboard Drag classes range from the entry-level Formula Class to Unlimited. Because of their high speed, you must be 18 to drive in this category.

Factory Modified
Factory Stock
Lake Racer
Super Stock

Factory Modified

Requirements
Engine: 
V-6 carbureted motors or Airhorn/Aftermarket EFI V-8 Motors - See Modified Production Rules
Minimum Weight: 
1600 lbs. (V-6 carbureted motors) to 1900 lbs. (Airhorn/Aftermarket EFI V-8 Motors)
Fuel: 
Pump gas/standard non-oxygenated race fuel.No fuel additives
Hull: 
Must be produced & offered by manufacturer with seating for a minimum of three adults. No competition hull designs allowed.
Ignition: 
no aftermarket ignition parts other than RAPAIR remanufactured OEM Spec parts. No Remote ECU adjustments allowed.
Statistics
Current National Champion: 
No National Champion

Factory Stock

Factory Stock (formerly Pure Stock) boats must be produced and offered by manufacturer with seating for a minimum of three adults. 

Engines must remain completely stock as produced with the following exceptions:

  • Airbox may be removed
  • Rev-limiter may be removed (carb motors only)
  • Oil injection may be removed 
  • Exshaust inner liner may be removed & midsections may be drilled to releave exhaust.
  • Aftermarket external exhaust snouts are allowed
Outboard Drag Racing
Requirements
Minimum Age: 
18 years old
Engine: 
Stock Engines with a few exceptions
Minimum Weight: 
1700 lbs. to 2100 lbs.
Fuel: 
Pump or standard non-oxygenated race fuel. No Fuel additives
Hull: 
No competition hull designs allowed.
Est. Horsepower: 
150 (1700 lbs.) to 300 (2100 lbs.)
Statistics
Current National Champion: 
No National Champion

Lake Racer

Regular production open cockpit Ski or Bass boats, originally configured with seating for 3 or more people.  Passenger seats may be removed during competition.

No nitrous oxide, power-boosting fuel additives, or any other type of bottle pressure injection allowed.  

Note: the Lake Racer class compeition committee may adjust weights and rules at any time with the approval of the Outboard Drag Chairman. Rules will be effective when published in Propeller. 

Outboard Drag Boat Racing
Requirements
Minimum Age: 
18 years old
Engine: 
Various Big Block & High performance OMC, Mercury & Yamaha's
Minimum Weight: 
1475 lbs. to 1950 lbs. depending on engine
Fuel: 
pump gas or standard, non-oxygenated race fuel.
Statistics
Current National Champion: 
No National Champion

Super Stock

Outboard Drag Racing
Requirements
Minimum Weight: 
1350 to 1430 lbs. depending on engine type
Fuel: 
Pump gas or standard, non-oxygenated race fuel.
Hull: 
Any production hull except no true tunnels and hydroplanes
Propulsion: 
No power-boosting additives allowed. No nitrous oxide allowed
Statistics
Current National Champion: 
No National Champion