The personal watercraft racing community witnessed a landmark moment as Pro Watercross was officially acquired by a dynamic partnership between East Coast Watercross and Nautiwater Racing. This strategic acquisition brings together two of the most respected regional organizations in the sport, combining their expertise, resources, and passion for watercraft competition under the iconic Pro Watercross banner. The merger represents a new chapter in the organization’s storied history, promising to elevate the sport to unprecedented heights while honoring the traditions and competitive spirit that have defined Pro Watercross for years.
East Coast Watercross, owned and operated by the visionary Shawn Dudek, has long been recognized as a driving force in developing grassroots racing talent along the Atlantic seaboard. Shawn’s tireless dedication to growing the sport, his meticulous attention to race organization, and his genuine care for the racing community have earned him tremendous respect among competitors and fans alike. His hands-on approach to event management and his ability to create exciting, professionally-run competitions make him an ideal steward for the Pro Watercross legacy. Under Shawn’s leadership, East Coast Watercross has consistently delivered memorable racing experiences that keep competitors coming back season after season.
Joining forces with Shawn is Terry Hiebert, the founder and owner of Nautiwater Racing, whose innovative approach to watercraft competition has revolutionized how events are structured and promoted. Terry brings a wealth of experience in race production, sponsorship development, and athlete engagement that will prove invaluable as Pro Watercross enters this exciting new era. His commitment to professionalism and his forward-thinking vision for the sport align perfectly with the goals of expanding Pro Watercross’s reach and appeal. Together, Shawn and Terry form a powerhouse leadership team with complementary skills and a shared passion for seeing personal watercraft racing achieve mainstream recognition.
The racing community owes an enormous debt of gratitude to AJ and Jennifer, the previous owners who shepherded Pro Watercross through years of growth and challenges with unwavering commitment. Their countless hours of behind-the-scenes work, their personal sacrifices, and their genuine love for the sport and its participants created the foundation upon which this new chapter is being built. AJ and Jennifer poured their hearts into every event, every rule refinement, and every competitor relationship, treating the Pro Watercross family as their own. Their legacy lives on in the thriving community they nurtured, and the entire watercraft racing world thanks them for their extraordinary contributions to the sport we all love.
The 2026 Pro Watercross season promises to be the most thrilling and action-packed campaign in the organization’s history, with every round serving as a crucial step on the Road to Havasu. Competitors will battle across spectacular venues nationwide, accumulating points and perfecting their craft as they chase their championship dreams through waves of intense competition.
Each event will feature heart-pounding closed-course racing, spectacular freestyle exhibitions, and fierce battles across all skill levels from amateur newcomers to elite professional athletes. The new ownership group is committed to enhancing the competitor experience with improved amenities, increased media coverage, and exciting new format innovations that will keep fans on the edge of their seats from the first green flag to the final checkered flag.
The season-long journey culminates in the crown jewel of personal watercraft racing: the Pro Watercross World Championship at Lake Havasu, Arizona, where champions will be crowned against the breathtaking backdrop of the desert Southwest.
Lake Havasu’s crystal-clear waters and legendary racing conditions provide the ultimate proving ground where the best riders in the world will leave everything on the course in pursuit of glory.
The Road to Havasu transforms every regular season event into a high-stakes battle, as competitors know that each moto, each heat, and each pass could make the difference between standing atop the championship podium or wondering what might have been.
This is more than a race series—it’s an epic journey of determination, skill, and heart that will captivate the watercraft racing world throughout 2026 and beyond.