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The 2025 H1 Unlimited season concluded in spectacular fashion at Mission Bay in San Diego, where fans witnessed not only the best race of the season but also a record-breaking performance that will go down in hydroplane history.
J. Michael Kelly, driving the U-8 Beacon Electric, set a new San Diego 2.5-Mile and H1 Unlimited 2.5-Mile Record for a 12.5-mile/5-lap race average with a blistering 157.818 mph.
This new mark surpassed both the San Diego course record, set by Jimmy Shane in 2022 at 155.011 mph in the U-1 Miss HomeStreet, and the overall H1 Unlimited 2.5-mile record, previously held by Andrew Tate at 156.177 mph, established in 2024 in the U-91 Miss Goodman Real Estate.
The records didn’t stop there. Andrew Tate, U-91 Miss Goodman Real Estate, also broke his own previous benchmark, recording an average of 156.814 mph and finishing second in the race.
“This was more than a race, it was a showcase of speed, skill, and respect between two of the sport’s best drivers,” said Jim Sechler, crew chief of Strong Racing. Recent modifications and testing by the team gave the boats the extra edge, delivering a performance fans won’t forget.
Both Kelly and Tate emphasized the joy of competing against a trustworthy rival, highlighting the importance of sportsmanship in a sport where split-second decisions define victory.
The 2025 San Diego finale proved that hydroplane racing continues to push limits, on the water, in engineering, and in the hearts of fans.
Congratulations to J. Michael Kelly and the entire Strong Racing team for closing out the season with record-setting performances.
www.h1unlimited.com
J. Michael Kelly, driving the U-8 Beacon Electric, set a new San Diego 2.5-Mile and H1 Unlimited 2.5-Mile Record for a 12.5-mile/5-lap race average with a blistering 157.818 mph.
This new mark surpassed both the San Diego course record, set by Jimmy Shane in 2022 at 155.011 mph in the U-1 Miss HomeStreet, and the overall H1 Unlimited 2.5-mile record, previously held by Andrew Tate at 156.177 mph, established in 2024 in the U-91 Miss Goodman Real Estate.
The records didn’t stop there. Andrew Tate, U-91 Miss Goodman Real Estate, also broke his own previous benchmark, recording an average of 156.814 mph and finishing second in the race.
“This was more than a race, it was a showcase of speed, skill, and respect between two of the sport’s best drivers,” said Jim Sechler, crew chief of Strong Racing. Recent modifications and testing by the team gave the boats the extra edge, delivering a performance fans won’t forget.
Both Kelly and Tate emphasized the joy of competing against a trustworthy rival, highlighting the importance of sportsmanship in a sport where split-second decisions define victory.
The 2025 San Diego finale proved that hydroplane racing continues to push limits, on the water, in engineering, and in the hearts of fans.
Congratulations to J. Michael Kelly and the entire Strong Racing team for closing out the season with record-setting performances.
JMK, Tate Set Multiple Records in San Diego Final Heat
J. Michael Kelly and Andrew Tate discuss the Final Heat in San Diego The 2025 H1 Unlimited season concluded in spectacular fashion at Mission Bay in San Diego, where fans witnessed not only the best race of the season but also a record-breaking performance that will go
www.h1unlimited.com
