Jimmy Shane’s Oberto hydroplane was the first across the finish line, but, instead, runner-up J. Michael Kelly got the checkered flag, signaling that he was the Bayfair race victor for the coveted Bill Muncey Cup during the weekend of Sept. 12-14.
Race officials ruled that Shane crossed in front of Kelly at the start of the five-lap feature. Shane was penalized a lap and later fined for the infraction.
However, Shane earlier posted two convincing wins in heat races to maintain his points lead for the championship heading into the season finale at Doha, Qatar from Nov. 20-22.
An emotional Kelly soaked in the victory that became official about 30 minutes after the final was completed along the 2 1?2-mile Bill Muncey course. Fran Muncey, wife of the late Bill Muncey, presented the trophy to Kelly on the 50th anniversary of the Bayfair races. 
“It’s very cool to be a part of the history of Bill Muncey,” Kelly said. “Knowing I’ll never have what he’s done, but to be part of it all.”
It was a bizarre conclusion to the three-day festival that included other class speedboats, a car show and bands on three stages.
The weekend began when the board of governors was advised that the city would not lift its order to ban spectators from bringing alcohol in to the event. Board members said they felt this will create a future financial hardship and affect the number of recreational vehicles that normally circle the course. 
Also, in a surprise move, the sanctioning H1 Hydroplane series announced that chairman Sam Cole was being replaced by Steve David on an interim basis. David, a Florida real-estate executive, is a former hydroplane champion. Cole had been chairman for 10 years.
Board president Jeff Thomas said the board of governors would conduct a post-race meeting in a few weeks to discuss the future of Bayfair and to discuss a possible meeting with the San Diego City Council over the alcohol issue.
Thunderboats Inc. is a nonprofit organization to promote powerboat racing in San Diego and tourism in the beach area. Bayfair is funded in part by the San Diego Tourism Marketing District Corporation with tourism marketing district assessment funds.
Although final attendance figures have yet to be compiled, organizers report a strong turnout over the three-day race period. 
“We’re thankful to the 700-plus volunteers that come together each year to stage this family event,” said Thomas. “Mission Bay Park was built for hydro-plane racing, and we’re proud to showcase it.”