Episode 67- Powerboat Talk with Tyler Speer Drag Boat Racer - Part 2
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Tyler Speer 2025 Season Recap:
A Fuel Hydro Performance, Record Run, and 2026 Plans
In this episode of Powerboat Talk, part two of a two-part conversation, we catch up with drag boat racer Tyler Speer following the 2025 drag boat racing season. Speer breaks down the continued development of his A Fuel Nitro Hydro, Georgia Outlaw, and shares insight into the technical changes, race results, and performance gains that defined his season, along with his outlook for 2026.
Clutch Setup Changes and Mid-Season Adjustments
A key topic in this episode is the team’s early-season switch to a new clutch program. Speer explains how the change was made to improve performance in Top Alcohol Hydro competition, but also required the team to re-establish their baseline setup. This adjustment period slowed early progress as they worked through the learning curve and refined the combination to regain consistency.
2025 Drag Boat Racing Results and Record Performance
We discuss Speer’s results competing in both the Southern Drag Boat Association and the Kentucky Drag Boat Association, two of the premier drag boat racing organizations in the country. He finished second in SDBA points and third in KDBA standings, demonstrating consistent performance across multiple series.
The conversation also highlights the final race of the season in Wheatland, Texas, where Speer and his team delivered their strongest performance of the year. Running a 4.22-second elapsed time in Top Alcohol Hydro, they set a class record and secured the event win, marking a significant milestone for the program.
FuelTech, Data Logging, and Performance Tuning
Speer also discusses his continued use of the FuelTech system for fuel management and data logging. With expanded data collection, the team is able to more effectively evaluate clutch performance, fuel delivery, and overall run-to-run consistency. This data-driven approach plays a critical role in refining setup decisions and improving performance in high horsepower drag boat racing.
2026 Season Outlook: A Fuel Focus and Program Growth
Looking ahead to the 2026 drag boat racing season, Speer plans to remain focused on his current A Fuel Nitro Hydro rather than making a move back to Top Fuel. He will continue working with A Fuel drag racing standout Randy Meyer to further develop the program.
Speer also outlines plans to build two additional Warhawk hulls, which will serve as backup boats and provide additional opportunities for testing and development as the team continues to push performance.
IHRA Involvement and the Future of Drag Boat Racing
We also discuss the role of the International Hot Rod Association and its renewed involvement in drag boat racing. Speer shares his perspective on how increased support from IHRA could influence race schedules, participation levels, and the overall direction of the sport.
Dyno Testing, Parts Availability, and Quality Control
Finally, the episode covers the importance of dyno testing marine engines, particularly for high-performance applications, along with ongoing concerns around parts availability and inconsistent quality control in racing components. These factors continue to impact teams working to maintain reliability and performance at the highest levels of drag boat racing.
Follow Tyler Speer on Instagram @TylerSpeerRacer on Facebook @Tyler Speer on Youtube @TylerSpeerRacer
Visit Tyler online @www.tylerspeer.com
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