By Marc Hagest
San Diego Bayfair kicked off Friday, September 12-14. Saturday the 13th started off cool and overcast; the air was crisp like fall had set in a bit early. The autumn-like environment had people out in strides ready to face the beautiful day ahead.
The 61st running of Bayfair has officially come back to San Diego with the new addition of RPM Racing Enterprises Best of the West Jetski Racing Series in attendance. The location of Mission Bay allowed 4 different race tracks for the boats and jet skis all in one venue including vendors , car and motorcycle shows on display for lots of family-filled fun. Racers had traveled from all over the world including countries as far as: Japan, Estonia, Argentina as well as Australia and even the USA.
This gathering of adrenaline filled water sports racers of all ages is a testament to how prestigious this event means to the city of San DIego. All the beaches were full with spectators and racers to make this event successful once again. The racers and their crews were readily excited to get the racing started to put on a phenomenal show for the fans.
Justin Black’s Sea Doo team raced with integrity and speed with Justin finishing on top of the box. All the racers put on a great show as well, displayed their talents and aqua-batic skills in their races. Win or lose today’s races did not cease to amaze a tremendous turnout of onlookers and race fanatics alike. The H1 boats did not disappoint either as they were going toe to toe leaving huge wakes behind their boats doing speeds well over 100 MPH.
We would like to thank the City of San Diego for again putting on this event and giving the racers a place to race! Ross Wallach of RPM Racing Enterprises and all of his staff, especially Dawn Carey for all of her hard work with scoring and the duties that come along with it, the safety crews on the water keeping all the racers safe. Justin Black. his team for the continued support, and all the other racers who supported and trusted us to take their photos. Ross’s team did an amazing job of keeping this event running smoothly. If you have not been to this event it is one to put on your bucket list!
See you at the races!
The History of San Diego’s Bayfair
San Diego Bayfair celebrated 60 years on Mission Bay and is one of Southern California’s largest beach festivals.
San Diego Bayfair has a long and rich tradition in Mission Bay Park. The first race was staged in 1964 thanks to the foresight of the great Unlimited hydroplane racer Bill Muncey, who was the driving force in getting the racecourse built to host Bayfair.
A Master Plan for Mission Bay was approved by the City of San Diego in 1958 and set in motion the creation of the racecourse between East Vacation Island and Fiesta Island. (Neither island existed until a massive dredging project formed them.) The shorelines were curved to accommodate a 2.5-mile oval course and beaches were sloped to dissipate waves from motorboats and hydroplanes.
The parking lot and launch ramp on East Vacation Island was designed as a pit area for hydroplanes. The light posts were set in a line to facilitate easy access for the hydroplanes, trucks and equipment.
To ensure boat racing on Mission Bay, San Diego Municipal Code allows “to hold a boat race in the course of which unmuffled engines may be used by the contestants… for a period of time not exceeding ten (10) days in all.” The Municipal Code also includes, “In addition to the aforementioned 10 day permit, the Director may issue a permit for unlimited hydroplane racing, provided such permit shall be for a period of time not exceeding four (4) additional days in any calendar year.”
Marc Hagest
661 212 5910
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