Mission Bay Delivers Thrilling Season Finale at Bayfair San Diego
San Diego, California – 14 September 2025 – The curtain closed on the 2025 H1 Unlimited season this afternoon at Mission Bay, where Bayfair San Diego powered by Samson Rope delivered everything fans love about hydroplane racing: speed, competition, and a spectacular show. This final stop concluded a five-race championship season, with Sunday’s racing giving fans plenty to cheer about.
Early Action Sets the Tone
The day began with the re-run of Heat 1 following Saturday morning’s incident involving Corey Peabody. J. Michael Kelly, piloting the U-8 Beacon Electric, surged to victory, followed by Dave Villwock in the U-27 Miss Apollo and Jamie Nilsen in the U-11 Miss FLAV-R-PAC. Kelly’s U-8 also clocked the fastest lap of the heat at 157.585 mph on lap two.
In Heat 4, only two boats answered the start gun after the U-8 registered a DNS. Andrew Tate in the U-91 Miss Goodman Real Estate claimed the win ahead of Nilsen’s U-11 Miss FLAV-R-PAC.
Heat 5 Drama Crowns a Champion
Heat 5 produced one of the day’s most dramatic moments. Villwock’s U-27 crossed the finish line first but was assessed a one-minute penalty for encroachment. The win was awarded to Tate in the U-91, securing him the 2025 National High Points Championship. Kelly’s U-8 finished second, followed by Nilsen’s U-11. Villwock recorded the fastest lap of the heat at 156.737 mph.
A Finale to Remember
The Bill Muncey Cup final delivered one of the most thrilling races of the season, with close battles for both first and third positions. Ultimately, J. Michael Kelly and the U-8 Beacon Electric prevailed, edging out Tate’s U-91 in a nail-biting finish. It was Kelly’s first victory of the season, a fitting triumph to close the year.
“This team never stopped working, even when the results didn’t go our way earlier this season,” said Kelly. “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, also reflected on the effort behind the season. “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 colours.”
Looking Ahead
With Bayfair San Diego now complete, the 2025 season officially concludes – a season defined by speed, resilience, and unforgettable racing moments.
Event Information
San Diego Bayfair, powered by Samson Rope, took place from Friday through Sunday, 12–14 September 2025, at Mission Bay. Samson Rope, trusted worldwide as the strongest name in rope, proudly served as title sponsor, bringing unmatched strength and innovation to the fastest sport on water.
Location: Mission Bay, San Diego, California
Tickets & Info: SanDiegoBayfair.org
Livestream: H1Unlimited.com or the H1 Unlimited YouTube channel
John Moore’s involvement in powerboat racing began in 1981 when he competed in his first offshore powerboat race. After a career as a Financial Futures broker in the City of London, specialising in UK interest rate markets, he became actively involved in event organisation and powerboat racing journalism.
He served as Event Director for the Cowes–Torquay–Cowes races between 2010 and 2013. In 2016, he launched Powerboat Racing World, a digital platform providing global powerboat racing news and insights. The following year, he co-founded UKOPRA, helping to rejuvenate offshore racing in the United Kingdom. He sold Powerboat Racing World in late 2021 and remained actively involved with UKOPRA until 2025.
In 2025, he established Powerboat News, returning to independent journalism with a focus on neutral and comprehensive coverage of the sport.
