The 2025 H1 Unlimited season concluded at Mission Bay with record-setting runs from two of the sport’s top drivers.
J. Michael Kelly, piloting the U-8 Beacon Electric, established a new San Diego 2.5-mile and H1 Unlimited 2.5-mile record for a five-lap, 12.5-mile race with an average speed of 157.818 mph. This surpassed the previous course record of 155.011 mph set by Jimmy Shane in 2022, and the overall 2.5-mile record of 156.177 mph set by Andrew Tate in 2024.
Tate, driving the U-91 Miss Goodman Real Estate, also improved on his own prior record with an average speed of 156.814 mph, securing second place in the race.
“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, noting the impact of recent modifications and testing.
Both Kelly and Tate highlighted the competitiveness and sportsmanship between them, emphasizing the importance of trust and precision in hydroplane racing.
The San Diego finale demonstrated the continued advancement of the sport, both in engineering and competition.