The San Diego Bay Fair is a classic San Diego tradition that first started in 1964. It was originally inspired by the great Unlimited hydroplane racer Bill Muncey. He was the one who really influenced the race to happen as well as getting the racecourse’s approval. The masterplan for a racetrack was created in 1958 and set into motion for an excellent racecourse in-between East Vacation Island and Fiesta Island. In total, this is a 2.5-mile oval course with the waves buffering the force from the waves.
There were special rules ordinances and regulations set in order to accommodate the boat races in Mission Bay. This iconic Mission Bay racecourse is the largest on the H1 Unlimited hydroplane circuit. The current World Lap Speed Record is held by Driver Dave Villwock with 173.384 mph in 1999 at Bayfair. Villwock has won a record of nine Bill Muncey Cups. These races include Formula One tunnel boats, Grand Prix West, P1 USA, Pacific Offshore Powerboat Racing Association and various semi-professional classes which have competed at Bayfair.
Over the years, this event has attracted more than 5 million people that love watching boatracing right on the waters of Mission Bay. Bayfair is a nonprofit 501(c)4 event that is organized and run completely by volunteers. There is an eight-member Board of Governors that directs and oversees more than 700 volunteers to run the 3-day festival. This festival is also responsible for attracting more than 500 RV owners, friends and family to get the rare opportunity to stay in Mission Bay Park.
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