Shane Captures Third San Diego Bayfair Title

In front of an estimated crowd of 75,000 people, Unlimited hydroplane driver Jimmy Shane delivered a championship for the HomeStreet Bank-backed team on Sunday by winning the H1 Unlimited final at the HomeStreet Bank presents San Diego Bayfair on Mission Bay. The news was announced in a press release from the H1 Unlimited organization.

For Unlimited hydroplane racer Jimmy Shane of Seattle, last weekend’s Bayfair victory was the third in his career. Photo courtesy/copyright Erick Bryner/Firedrill Productions. 

“I was thrilled to win one for HomeStreet Bank and their fans,” said Shane, who lives in Seattle, Wash., in the release. “I love racing on this course and it’s great to go home with the Bill Muncey Cup.”

For Shane, it was his second consecutive San Diego Bayfair win and his third career victory in the storied event on Mission Bay. The accomplished Unlimited hydroplane driver also won H1 Unlimited’s National High Points championship. Rookie driver Andrew Tate finished behind Shane, while and J. Michael Kelley took third.

Overall attendance at HomeStreet Bank presents San Diego Bayfair reportedly was up this year, although final attendance figures are not yet available.

“Everyone had a fun and safe weekend on Mission Bay,” said Bob Davies, president of San Diego Bayfair’s Board of Governors, in the release. “A big thank you to HomeStreet Bank for serving as title sponsor and to the City of San Diego for helping us host this end of summer tradition on Mission Bay.”

More than 80 boats in various classes competed during the three days of the 52nd annual event last weekend.

In related news, Unlimited hydroplane racing great Steven David stepped down as H1 Unlimited chairman, a position he held for tow years after retiring as a driver four years ago, following the event.

“I did my best, yet there is more to do,” David wrote on his Facebook page. “So yesterday at San Diego where I retired from driving four years ago, I stepped down as chairman. I’ll work with H1 to find a new leader to hand off the baton and build upon the promises of the future. I truly believe the sport is on track for a return to significance in the motorsports world.”

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