Celebrating 75 Years: H1 Unlimited heads to Madison for a historic weekend
A new course, a milestone celebration, and six boats ready to battle on the Ohio river
Brandon Kennedy will look to qualify as a driver in the U-6 Miss Madison
Madison, Indiana – July 3, 2025 – H1 Unlimited is thrilled to return to one of hydroplane racing’s most historic venues as six of the world’s fastest boats prepare to take to the water for the 75th Madison Regatta, July 4–6. Hosted on the Ohio River, this milestone edition celebrates 75 years of hydroplane racing tradition in Madison, Indiana, a community deeply woven into the fabric of the sport.
In addition to the celebration, this year introduces a major change: the Unlimited hydroplanes will not pass under the Milton–Madison Bridge. The redesigned 2-mile oval shifts downriver, bringing the full course into the sightlines of riverfront spectators and delivering a more compact and action-packed race experience.
“This new course layout marks a new era for the Madison Regatta,” said Kyle Bipes, President of the Madison Regatta. “By moving the turns downriver and keeping everything in front of the crowd, we’re delivering a better fan experience.”
The competition opens on Friday, July 4, with on-water activity and community festivities:
- 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.: H1 Unlimited Testing
- 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.: H1 Unlimited Qualifying
- Evening: Annual Parade through the streets of Madison, featuring nearly all race boats from the pits
In addition to the H1 Unlimited fleet, fans can enjoy racing throughout the weekend in Grand Prix, Jersey Speed Skiff, 2.5 Liter, and Pro Lite classes.
On Saturday, July 5:
- 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.: Open Testing
- 1:00 p.m.: Heat 1 – H1 Unlimited
- 3:20 p.m.: Heat 2 – H1 Unlimited
- 4:40 p.m.: Heat 3 – H1 Unlimited
On Sunday, July 6:
- 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.: Open Testing
- 11:20 a.m.: Heat 4 – H1 Unlimited
- 1:00 p.m.: Heat 5 – H1 Unlimited
- 2:20 p.m.: Heat 6 – H1 Unlimited
- 4:00 p.m.: Indiana Governor’s Cup Final
Following a weather-impacted opening round in Guntersville, all eyes are on Madison as the H1 Unlimited teams look to lock in critical points toward the 2025 national championship. The current standings are as follows:
- U-91 Miss Goodman Real Estate – Driver: Andrew Tate (100 points)
- U-9 Beacon Plumbing – Driver: Corey Peabody (80 points)
- U-27 Miss Apollo – Driver: Dave Villwock (70 points)
- U-8 Beacon Electric – Driver: J. Michael Kelly (60 points)
- U-11 Miss FLAV-R-PAC – Driver: Jamie Nilsen (50 points)
- U-6 Miss Madison – Driver: Brandon Kennedy (pending rookie program completion)
All six boats are expected to compete this weekend in Madison.
Local fans will be watching closely as Brandon Kennedy works to qualify the U-6 Miss Madison under H1’s rookie driver protocol. Kennedy must complete a minimum of 15 laps, with at least two-thirds exceeding 130 mph, and finish two heats without rule infractions to gain full competition status. The Madison hometown team hopes to see their driver on the starting line for Sunday’s final.
Dave Villwock, H1’s winningest driver, returns to competition at the helm of the U-27 Miss Apollo, racing this weekend in the team’s backup hull affectionately nicknamed “Sharky”. The boat steps in for the team’s primary hull, currently undergoing repairs following damage sustained in Guntersville.
Andrew Tate, last year’s winner in Madison aboard the U-91 Miss Goodman Real Estate, looks to defend his title and extend his championship lead. In 2023, J. Michael Kelly earned the cup in the U-8 Beacon Electric, and in the past decade, names like Jimmy Shane, Corey Peabody, and Dave Villwock have each etched their legacy into Madison history.
As H1 Unlimited celebrates this milestone year, fans can expect an unforgettable weekend of racing, tradition, and top-tier motorsport along one of the most celebrated stretches of water in hydroplane racing.
For tickets, event info, and livestream links, visit www.h1unlimited.com or www.madisonregatta.com.
Celebrating 75 Years: H1 Unlimited heads to Madison for a historic weekend
A new course, a milestone celebration, and six boats ready to battle on the Ohio river
Brandon Kennedy will look to qualify as a driver in the U-6 Miss Madison
Madison, Indiana – July 3, 2025 – H1 Unlimited is thrilled to return to one of hydroplane racing’s most historic venues as six of the world’s fastest boats prepare to take to the water for the 75th Madison Regatta, July 4–6. Hosted on the Ohio River, this milestone edition celebrates 75 years of hydroplane racing tradition in Madison, Indiana, a community deeply woven into the fabric of the sport.
In addition to the celebration, this year introduces a major change: the Unlimited hydroplanes will not pass under the Milton–Madison Bridge. The redesigned 2-mile oval shifts downriver, bringing the full course into the sightlines of riverfront spectators and delivering a more compact and action-packed race experience.
“This new course layout marks a new era for the Madison Regatta,” said Kyle Bipes, President of the Madison Regatta. “By moving the turns downriver and keeping everything in front of the crowd, we’re delivering a better fan experience.”
The competition opens on Friday, July 4, with on-water activity and community festivities:
- 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.: H1 Unlimited Testing
- 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.: H1 Unlimited Qualifying
- Evening: Annual Parade through the streets of Madison, featuring nearly all race boats from the pits
In addition to the H1 Unlimited fleet, fans can enjoy racing throughout the weekend in Grand Prix, Jersey Speed Skiff, 2.5 Liter, and Pro Lite classes.
On Saturday, July 5:
- 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.: Open Testing
- 1:00 p.m.: Heat 1 – H1 Unlimited
- 3:20 p.m.: Heat 2 – H1 Unlimited
- 4:40 p.m.: Heat 3 – H1 Unlimited
On Sunday, July 6:
- 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.: Open Testing
- 11:20 a.m.: Heat 4 – H1 Unlimited
- 1:00 p.m.: Heat 5 – H1 Unlimited
- 2:20 p.m.: Heat 6 – H1 Unlimited
- 4:00 p.m.: Indiana Governor’s Cup Final
Following a weather-impacted opening round in Guntersville, all eyes are on Madison as the H1 Unlimited teams look to lock in critical points toward the 2025 national championship. The current standings are as follows:
- U-91 Miss Goodman Real Estate – Driver: Andrew Tate (100 points)
- U-9 Beacon Plumbing – Driver: Corey Peabody (80 points)
- U-27 Miss Apollo – Driver: Dave Villwock (70 points)
- U-8 Beacon Electric – Driver: J. Michael Kelly (60 points)
- U-11 Miss FLAV-R-PAC – Driver: Jamie Nilsen (50 points)
- U-6 Miss Madison – Driver: Brandon Kennedy (pending rookie program completion)
All six boats are expected to compete this weekend in Madison.
Local fans will be watching closely as Brandon Kennedy works to qualify the U-6 Miss Madison under H1’s rookie driver protocol. Kennedy must complete a minimum of 15 laps, with at least two-thirds exceeding 130 mph, and finish two heats without rule infractions to gain full competition status. The Madison hometown team hopes to see their driver on the starting line for Sunday’s final.
Dave Villwock, H1’s winningest driver, returns to competition at the helm of the U-27 Miss Apollo, racing this weekend in the team’s backup hull affectionately nicknamed “Sharky”. The boat steps in for the team’s primary hull, currently undergoing repairs following damage sustained in Guntersville.
Andrew Tate, last year’s winner in Madison aboard the U-91 Miss Goodman Real Estate, looks to defend his title and extend his championship lead. In 2023, J. Michael Kelly earned the cup in the U-8 Beacon Electric, and in the past decade, names like Jimmy Shane, Corey Peabody, and Dave Villwock have each etched their legacy into Madison history.
As H1 Unlimited celebrates this milestone year, fans can expect an unforgettable weekend of racing, tradition, and top-tier motorsport along one of the most celebrated stretches of water in hydroplane racing.
For tickets, event info, and livestream links, visit www.h1unlimited.com or www.madisonregatta.com.