Kennewick, Washington – March 3, 2026 – H1 Unlimited wi l introduce a new race format at the Madison Regatta, marking an important evolution in how race weekends are structured and decided. The objective behind this change is simple: make every session count, reward consistency, and create a clearer path from Time Trials to the Final.
Rather than relying on draw-based positioning, the new format connects qualifying, preliminary heats, and the Final through one cumulative scoring system: Total Weekend Points.
Every session counts. Every point matters
Under the new structure, every boat accumulates points beginning in Time Trials and continuing through the preliminary heats.
These are combined to form Total Weekend Points, which determine:
- Heat section placement
- Lane selection order
- Advancement into the Final
Time Trials now do more than set speed bragging rights and points. They help shape the entire weekend.
Time Trial Points Structure
Time Trial Points Structure
A more balanced Heat Structure
Preliminary heats are organized using an inverted odd/even system designed to distribute competition evenly. In the opening round only, lane choice is determined by Time Trial ranking.
For an eight-boat field:
A more balanced Heat StructureThis prevents stacking the fastest boats in a single early heat and maintains competitive balance across sections.
Rounds 2 and 3: Lane CHOICE based on weekend standings
Beginning in Round 2, lane choice shifts entirely to Total Weekend Points.
The schedule below is an example of an eight-boat field (TT=Time Trial)
The Final format : Points earned through the weekend
The Final will consist of the boats accumulating the highest Total Weekend Points from Time Trials and preliminary heats.
Lane choice in the Final is determined by Total Weekend Points:
Highest accumulated points selects first
Second highest selects second
Third highest selects third, etc.
Additionally: The boat with the most weekend points may select Lane 1 once and Lane 2 once per season in a Final
Looking ahead to 2026
H1 Unlimited looks forward to seeing this new race format in action at Madison and throughout the 2026 season. The structure reflects the league’s ongoing commitment to competitive integrity and clarity on the water. We are confident it will create an exciting and fair progression for teams, and we look forward to fans experiencing the weekend as it unfolds under this new format.