Mission Bay delivers thrilling season finale at Bayfair San Diego powered by Samson Rope
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, and Sunday’s racing gave fans plenty to cheer about.
Early action sets the tone
The day began with the rerun of Heat 1 following Saturday morning’s incident involving Corey Peabody. J. Michael Kelly in 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. The fastest lap of the heat was recorded by Kelly’s U-8 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 provided 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. The fastest lap of the heat belonged to Villwock, who posted 156.737 mph.
A finale to remember
The Bill Muncey Cup final proved to be one of the most thrilling races of the season, featuring tight battles for both first and third positions. In the end, J. Michael Kelly and the U-8 Beacon Electric prevailed, edging out Tate’s U-91 in a thrilling finish. It marked Kelly’s first victory of the season, a well-earned 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.”
Darrell and Vanessa Strong of Strong Racing, owner of the U8 and U9, 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 colors.”
With Bayfair San Diego now in the books, the 2025 season is officially complete a season defined by speed, resilience, and unforgettable racing moments.
Mission Bay delivers thrilling season finale at Bayfair San Diego powered by Samson Rope
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, and Sunday’s racing gave fans plenty to cheer about.
Early action sets the tone
The day began with the rerun of Heat 1 following Saturday morning’s incident involving Corey Peabody. J. Michael Kelly in 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. The fastest lap of the heat was recorded by Kelly’s U-8 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 provided 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. The fastest lap of the heat belonged to Villwock, who posted 156.737 mph.
A finale to remember
The Bill Muncey Cup final proved to be one of the most thrilling races of the season, featuring tight battles for both first and third positions. In the end, J. Michael Kelly and the U-8 Beacon Electric prevailed, edging out Tate’s U-91 in a thrilling finish. It marked Kelly’s first victory of the season, a well-earned 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.”
Darrell and Vanessa Strong of Strong Racing, owner of the U8 and U9, 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 colors.”
With Bayfair San Diego now in the books, the 2025 season is officially complete a season defined by speed, resilience, and unforgettable racing moments.