For three days in the middle of this month (Sept. 18-20), San Diego’s Mission Bay will host high-octane fun, live music, a beer garden and a Military Appreciation Day for this year’s 51st annual San Diego Bayfair. And, of course, some of the world’s fastest boats.

The H1 Unlimited teams return to San Diego Bayfair in two weeks for the season finale. Photo courtesy Christopher Denslow/H1 Unlimited

According to a press release from Thunderboats Inc., the nonprofit organization that promotes the powerboat races and tourism in the San Diego area, more than 85,000 spectators and RV owners are expected to converge on East Vacation Island, Crown Point and Fiesta Island for Bayfair, which features nonstop racing action on the popular bay.

“The race teams and their fans always love to come to San Diego because of the beauty of Mission Bay and the history of the Bill Muncey racecourse,” said Bob Davies, San Diego Bayfair’s race director. “We can’t wait to play host for fans and competitors from around the world.”

Expecting one of the largest boat fleets in recent years with more than 80 teams competing in multiple classes on Mission Bay, Bayfair organizers are anticipating a solid showing from the H1 Unlimited teams and from the piston-powered Grand Prix West hydroplanes, not to mention the numerous smaller American Power Boat Association classes racing under the RPM Racing banner.

Sitting atop the H1 Unlimited standings, Oh Boy! Oberto driver Jimmy Shane will be in San Diego looking to win a third-straight points championship in the final race of the season.

Once again, San Diego Bayfair will partner with the KFMB stations to hold its annual Military Appreciation Day on Saturday (Sept 19). Active military and reservists receive free admission and their family members can purchase discounted tickets. Thanks to KFMB, race fans can record a message for overseas military members from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

“With Fleet Week San Diego underway this month, we welcome all military members and their families to spend an exciting weekend on Mission Bay,” Davies said.

Testing and qualifying with limited racing takes place on Friday with heat races and championship races taking place on Saturday and Sunday. The Bill Muncey Cup for H1 Unlimited is tentatively set for 4:15 pm on Sunday.

Celebrating its 51st year, Bayfair is organized and staged by more than 800 volunteers. Single-day tickets start at $25 and a three-day Super Pass is available for $45. Children under age 12 are free. For more information or to purchase advance tickets online, visit www.sandiegobayfair.org.

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