Want to race? We want you to!

You’ve watched races. Maybe this year is your year to get out there yourself.
Luckily, the National Jet Boat Association gives you plenty of ways to do that, whether you just want to give racing a try or start down the path toward racing in a Pro class.
Here’s what you need to know to get started with the NJBA.

The Basics:

To race, you’ll need to be an NJBA member. You can sign up by downloading our forms online and sending them in or at each race registration.

You can find events to enter by searching our online schedule of NJBA race dates.

You can also download a copy of the NJBA rulebook. In the rule book, you’ll learn which classes you’re eligible to enter and find out how to prepare yourself for competition. Then, all you need to do is get your boat and your safety equipment ready, and send the NJBA the appropriate forms and entry fees for the event that you would like to attend.

River Racer 2008:

For the 2008 race season, anyone interested in running River Racer can join NJBA for $150, and participate in every event of the season for $100/event. River Racer members will NOT have voting rights, there will NOT be any trophies, prize money, or points. This class is also NOT eligible for contingency prizes.

Equipment Necessary:

Of course there are certain safety rules that you’ll need to follow. The best way to see exactly what you’ll need is to download our online rulebook and read through it to see what is required of both drivers and boats, as every style of boat (Jet, Hydro & Flat Bottom) has different requirements as do normally aspirated engines vs. supercharged/turbo engines.

Basically, there are a few things you’ll need right off the bat that we can list:

  1. An approved, certified Lifejacket (Lifeline, SRP, etc)
  2. Ballistic shorts (Lifeline)
  3. A Helmet (Snell approved 1980 or later)
  4. Helmet restraints (Lifeline, Simpson, SRP, etc)
  5. A rope deflector, to deflect the starting rope (see rulebook for details)
  6. A “kill switch” that will kill the engine if the driver is moved more than 18” or thrown from the boat (see rulebook for details)
  7. No chrome rudders
  8. A “Ratchet” or “Pop Off” device for jet boats exceeding 100 mph.
  9. All boats must pass our Tech safety inspection (please see the requirements in our rulebook under Tech inspection)

These are some of the basic needs for you to race. There is a more accurate description in our rulebook available here. Please remember that all of the rules are to help insure safety. A lot of things can happen while racing and these items are in place to help make it a safe and fun weekend.

Again, the river racer class is a great place to start coming out to have a good time with NJBA. Other classes are available to racers from other organizations; however this class is intended for the first time or entry level racer.

There is a downloadable map to Lake Ming, which is located just outside of Bakersfield, California. There are several hotels and restaurants in the area of Bakersfield. Camping is available in the pits for those with RV’s. (There is an $80 RV fee, payable to the NJBA.)

We invite you to contact us with any questions, and truly look forward to seeing you at the races!