The Battle on the Colorado F1 powerboat event is Aug. 1-3, 2025, in Marble Falls. F1 Powerboat Championship photo

F1 Powerboat Championship comes to Burnet County

The Formula One Powerboat Championship series makes its Burnet County debut with the Battle on the Colorado, which is Aug. 1-3, 2025, on Lake Marble Falls. 

Marble Falls is no stranger to high-speed boat racing—having hosted the LakeFest drag boat competition for years—but F1 racing focuses on maneuverability as well as speed, as boats reach up to 120 mph and fly around the lake circuit and its hairpin turns.

Fans can watch Day 1 of the three-day spectacle for free at Lakeside Park on Lake Marble Falls, while the next two days of racing require tickets. 

The competition features three classes of powerboats: Formula One, Formula Lights, and the very popular Tri Hulls. 

THE BOATS

The F1 powerboats are 17 feet long and just over 7 feet wide, weighing 1,155 pounds, including the driver. These quick crafts are capable of accelerating from zero to 100 mph in 3.5 seconds and reaching up to 120 mph. Formula Lights are a smaller version of the F1 boats and typically go 67-70 mph. Tri Hull boats resemble recreational ski boats and can reach around 65 mph. They are a fan favorite as they bump and bang into each other during races.

THE COURSE

The course is 1.25 miles long and consists of straightaways and turns. F1 and Formula Lights run for different times and tri hulls run for number of laps. Course conditions are constantly changing with wind, current, and possible debris. 

THE RACES

F1 powerboat races begin with timing sessions, typically 4 minutes plus one lap. In each session, boats line up side by side and sit, engine off, at the starting dock. When the signal is given, drivers start their engines and enter the course. Timing starts when the first boat crosses the start/finish line and the green flag is waved. 

F1 boats travel the course for 4 minutes, at which time a checkered flag is waved to signal the conclusion of the session, and drivers may complete the lap before returning to the starting dock. 

Timing session results are used to determine starting position in the first qualifying heat. Qualifying heats for F1 boats are 8 minutes plus one lap. Additional qualifying heats are based off of the series points system. The lineup for final races is based on points from qualifying heats. F1 final race lengths are 17 minutes plus one lap. Awards are presented immediately after the final event.

BATTLE ON THE COLORADO

Race weekend kicks off with a meet-and-greet race party on Friday, Aug. 1, at Johnson Park in Marble Falls. Aug. 2-3 race events at Lakeside Park require admission. General admission and VIP options are available. Tickets may be purchased online or at the gate.

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