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High-speed hydroplanes thrill fans as 2025 H1 Unlimited season ends at San Diego Bayfair
(Photo courtesy of San Diego Bayfair)
The 2025 H1 Unlimited season ended with a lot of thrills on Sunday at Mission Bay, as Bayfair San Diego powered by Samson Rope delivered high-speed hydroplane action that fans won’t soon forget.
The final stop of the five-race championship offered everything spectators love about hydroplane racing: fierce competition, record-setting speeds, and edge-of-your-seat excitement.
Early Action Sets the Tone
The day kicked off with a rerun of Heat 1 after Saturday morning’s incident involving Corey Peabody. J. Michael Kelly in the U-8 Beacon Electric surged to victory, posting the fastest lap of the heat at 157.585 mph on lap two. Dave Villwock in the U-27 Miss Apollo and Jamie Nilsen in the U-11 Miss FLAV-R-PAC followed close behind, giving fans plenty to cheer about early in the day.
Heat 4 brought its own drama. With only two boats answering the start gun after the U-8 registered a DNS, Andrew Tate in the U-91 Miss Goodman Real Estate claimed the win, edging out Nilsen’s U-11 Miss FLAV-R-PAC.
Heat 5 Drama Crowns a Champion
The excitement peaked in Heat 5, one of the day’s most dramatic moments. Villwock’s U-27 crossed the finish line first but was penalized one minute for encroachment, handing the win to Tate in the U-91 and securing him the 2025 National High Points Championship. Kelly’s U-8 finished second, with Nilsen’s U-11 rounding out the podium. Villwock still earned the fastest lap of the heat at 156.737 mph.
A Finale to Remember
The Bill Muncey Cup final did not disappoint, featuring tight battles for both first and third places. In a thrilling finish, J. Michael Kelly and the U-8 Beacon Electric edged out Tate’s U-91 to take the victory, marking Kelly’s first win of the season.
“This team never stopped working, even when the results didn’t go our way earlier this season,” Kelly said. “Winning here in San Diego, in front of these fans, and bringing home the Bill Muncey Cup is an incredible reward for everyone involved.”
Mike and Vanessa Strong of Strong Racing, owners of the U-8 and U-9, echoed the sentiment. “I couldn’t be prouder of our team,” said Darrell Strong. “From the long nights in the shop to the tough days at the racecourse, they never gave up. This win shows the heart and dedication of everyone wearing our colors.”
San Diego Bayfair proudly welcomed Samson Rope as the title sponsor, a company known worldwide for strength and innovation — the perfect match for the fastest sport on water.
With the 2025 season officially in the books, fans leave Mission Bay with memories of speed, skill, and unforgettable racing moments.
