Kelly and Tate Smash Records in San Diego
The 2025 H1 Unlimited season concluded in spectacular fashion at Mission Bay, San Diego, where fans witnessed not only the most exhilarating race of the season but also a record-breaking performance etched into hydroplane history. J. Michael Kelly, piloting 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, five-lap race, averaging a blistering 157.818 mph.
This remarkable achievement surpassed the previous San Diego course record of 155.011 mph, set by Jimmy Shane in 2022 with the U-1 Miss HomeStreet, and the overall H1 Unlimited 2.5-mile record of 156.177 mph, established by Andrew Tate in 2024 with the U-91 Miss Goodman Real Estate.
Record-Breaking Performances
The records didn’t end with Kelly’s triumph. Andrew Tate, driving the U-91 Miss Goodman Real Estate, also shattered his own previous benchmark, recording an average speed of 156.814 mph to secure second place in the race. This dual display of speed and precision underscored the fierce competition and technical prowess defining the 2025 season.
“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.
Engineering Excellence and Teamwork
Recent modifications and rigorous testing by the Strong Racing team gave both boats the extra edge needed to deliver this unforgettable performance. The advancements in engineering pushed the boundaries of what’s possible on the water, captivating fans and setting a new standard for hydroplane racing.
Sportsmanship at Its Finest
Both Kelly and Tate highlighted the joy of competing against a trustworthy rival, emphasising the importance of sportsmanship in a sport where split-second decisions determine victory. Their mutual respect and competitive spirit elevated the San Diego finale into a celebration of hydroplane racing’s core values.
A Historic Moment for Hydroplane Racing
The 2025 San Diego finale proved that hydroplane racing continues to push limits, not only on the water but also in engineering innovation and fan engagement. As Kelly and Tate raised the bar with their record-breaking performances, they cemented their places in the sport’s storied legacy, leaving fans eager for what the next season will bring.
John Moore has a longstanding involvement in event organisation and powerboat racing journalism. He organised the historic Cowes–Torquay–Cowes races between 2010 and 2013 and was actively involved with British offshore racing from 2017 until 2025.
In 2017, Moore founded Powerboat Racing World, a digital platform providing global powerboat racing news, insights, and event coverage.
He is now Editor of Powerboat.News, continuing to contribute to the sport’s media landscape with in-depth reporting and analysis.
