Covington To Lead Powerboat P1/P1 Offshore Stateside

A former motocross racer and multiple Grand Prix title-winner who competed professionally from 2013 through 2020, Thomas Covington is now heading up Powerboat P1/P1 Offshore in the United States. Covington, who is based in Florida, joined the United Kingdom-headquartered powerboat-racing event producer’s marketing and media relations team in 2020.

Thomas Covington has been promoted to lead stateside initiatives and development for Powerboat P1/P1 Offshore. Photo by David Lando copyright WFO Productions.

The news was announced today in a press release from Powerboat P1.

“Partnerships have always been at the heart of our business and enhancing our key relationships with venues and racers will be a priority for me,” Covington said in the release. “Working with the P1 board and management team, I will drive innovation and commit to ensuring that our business growth aligns with the company’s passion for excellence and championing the sport we all love.”

Covington has been impactful since joining the organization. He negotiated a benchmark sponsorship deal with Monster Energy, with the beverage brand becoming title sponsor of the St. Petersburg Powerboat Racing Grand Prix, the Class 1 World Championship and the Super Cat M CON Racing team. In January, he was appointed commercial director for Powerboat P1 and his focus included securing televised broadcasts for P1 powerboat and personal watercraft events. His accomplishment include setting up a live television agreement with MAVTV featuring the high-profile Class 1 race series.

Covington’s most immediate task will be finalizing the 2025 Powerboat P1/P1 Offshore event schedules.

His promotion comes at a crucial time for Powerboat P1/P1 Offshore, as chief executive officer Azam Rangoonwala has relocated with his wife and children from London to Dubai. Prior to the move, Rangoonwala, whose father, Asif, started Powerboat P1 more than 20 years ago, spearheaded the company’s efforts in the United States.

Covington played a critical role in securing the Monster Energy sponsorship deal. Photo by Pete Boden copyright Shoot 2 Thrill Pix.

“Our new presence here in the Middle East will enable us to identify and explore new opportunities within the United Arab Emirates and neighboring countries such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar,” Azam Rangoonwala explained in the release. “Having embarked on our third decade as a leading promoter, Dubai will become a key regional hub for expansion.

“At the same time, I will be actively supporting Thomas in our primary market in the U.S.,” he added.

The outfit’s senior management team still includes International Operations director Martin Raby and Michelle Petro, the director of operations for P1 USA. Both will continue in their current roles with the company.

Asif Rangoonwala, the chairman of Powerboat P1, praised Covington for his work with the organization.

“Thomas has made a significant and sustained contribution to our P1 business over the past four years,” he said in the release. “His considerable experience in being involved with world-class motor racing series, together with accomplishments in key sectors such as operational management, television, sponsorship and partnership development, make him ideally placed to lead our management team into a new era for the P1 Offshore and P1 AquaX brands.

“This appointment comes at a time of change for both the world of marine motorsport and our own company, and together we will focus on the core business, Florida race events and business development opportunities to realize P1 USA’s commercial and sporting potential,” he added.

Covington said he’s looking forward to finalizing the offshore and personal watercraft racing schedules for the 2025 season, which he expects to release in early November.