APBA Inboard Driving School
May 28–30, 2027
Champions Park Lake • Springfield, Ohio
Overview
The APBA Inboard Driving School is the official driver development program of the American Power Boat Association (APBA), designed to introduce aspiring racers to the exciting world of inboard hydroplane and runabout racing in a safe, structured, and professionally supervised environment.
Through classroom instruction, safety training, and hands-on on-water experience, participants learn the fundamentals of competitive inboard racing while developing the skills and confidence necessary to earn their APBA driver's license.
Who Should Attend?
The APBA Inboard Driving School is intended for:
- Individuals interested in becoming licensed APBA Inboard racers
- New competitors with little or no racing experience
- Returning racers seeking to refresh their knowledge and skills
- Anyone interested in learning proper boat handling, race procedures, and APBA safety requirements
- Must be 13 years of age
Participants will be instructed by experienced APBA officials, veteran racers, and certified safety personnel.
What You'll Learn
The school combines classroom instruction with practical, on-water training and covers:
- APBA racing rules and regulations
- Boat handling and driving techniques
- Race course procedures
- Safety equipment and inspections
- Starting procedures
- Racing etiquette and sportsmanship
- Emergency procedures and on-water awareness
- Driver responsibilities
- Hands-on driving instruction in an APBA Inboard race boat
When
May 28–30, 2027
Friday, May 28, 2027
5:00 PM – Check-In & Dunk Certification
Participants will check in before completing the required APBA Dunk Certification.
Click on Link to see video of Dunk Certifciation In Action
Please Bring:
- Swim trunks or comfortable clothing suitable for getting wet
- Towel
- Change of clothes
Saturday, May 29, 2027
9:00 AM – Classroom Instruction & On-Water Training
The day begins with approximately four hours of classroom instruction covering APBA rules, safety requirements, race procedures, and driver fundamentals.
Following the classroom session, participants will begin their scheduled on-water driving instruction.
Each participant will receive an individual on-water driving schedule approximately one month before the school. Driving times are approximate and may be adjusted due to weather, water conditions, equipment availability, or other operational considerations throughout the weekend.
Lunch will be provided for all participants on Saturday.
Sunday, May 30, 2027
9:00 AM – On-Water Training & Driver Evaluations
Participants will continue their on-water instruction, receive personalized coaching from experienced APBA instructors, and complete driver evaluations as they work toward becoming licensed APBA Inboard competitors.
Lunch will be provided for all participants on Sunday.
At the conclusion of the school, participants will gather for an Awards Presentation, recognizing their successful completion of the APBA Inboard Driving School and celebrating the accomplishments of the weekend.
Where
Champions Park Lake (West of the Clark County Fairgrounds)
4401 S. Charleston Pike
Springfield, OH 45502
Champions Park Lake, Home of the APBA, provides an excellent venue next to the Historic Clark County Fairgrounds for classroom instruction, safety training, and practical on-water driving experience in a controlled racing environment.
Registration Information
Registration is open through May 1, 2027, or until the school reaches capacity.
Enrollment is limited to 30 participants to ensure each student receives quality classroom instruction and individualized on-water training.
Once the school reaches capacity, additional registrants may request to be placed on a waiting list by emailing apbahq@apba.org. If sufficient interest exists, APBA will evaluate the opportunity to schedule an additional Inboard Driving School later in the year.
What to Bring
For the Friday Dunk Certification, participants should bring:
- Swim trunks or comfortable clothing suitable for getting wet
- Towel
- Change of clothes
APBA will provide all required safety equipment throughout the school, including:
- Racing helmet
- Racing suit
- Life jacket
- Required safety equipment
Prior to the event, participants will be asked to provide their clothing and equipment sizes so that properly fitted safety gear can be prepared.
Hotel Accommodations
A block of rooms has been reserved for participants and guests at the:
Courtyard by Marriott Springfield Downtown
Address: 100 S Fountain Ave, Springfield, OH 45502
Phone: (937) 322-3600
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/daycs-courtyard-springfield-downtown/overview/
When making your reservation, please mention the "APBA" room block to receive the group rate, subject to availability.
Participants are encouraged to reserve their accommodations early, as the room block is available on a first-come, first-served basis and may fill before the reservation deadline.
Contact Information
If you have questions regarding registration, eligibility, accommodations, or the event schedule, please contact the APBA National Office.
Email: apbahq@apba.org
Phone: Please contact the APBA Main Office during normal business hours. (586) 773-9700
Program Goal
The APBA Inboard Driving School serves as the primary entry point into APBA Inboard competition, providing new drivers with the education, practical experience, and confidence needed to compete safely and responsibly.
By combining expert instruction with hands-on learning, the program helps ensure that every new racer enters the sport with a strong foundation in safety, sportsmanship, and competitive excellence.
Whether your goal is to compete at the local, regional, or national level, the APBA Inboard Driving School is your first step toward becoming an APBA-licensed Inboard racer.
We look forward to welcoming you to Springfield for an exciting weekend of learning, skill development, and the beginning of your APBA racing journey!
