2012 Bayfair Pits -Photo by Chris Denslow – H1

In the words of Steve David, H1 Unlimited Series defending High Point Champion, “I think we are going to the final race of the season with the closest points race in history.”

The driver of the 1 Oh Boy! Oberto is also the leader in 2013 series high points, but his small 43 point lead over young Jimmy Shane means the two are in a virtual tie heading into the final race of the season on San Diego’s Mission Bay.

Shane drove the 5 Graham Trucking to victory in the Coeurd’Alene Diamond Cup over Labor Day weekend while the Oberto lost a prop leaving the pit area in a Sunday prelim and failed to score points, giving Shane an opportunity  to make up most of the advantage David had before the Diamond Cup.

While it’s not unusual for the points race to come down to the final event of the season, David’s small lead will add drama to everything that happens throughout the weekend – including qualifying and heat draws.

If the two are drawn into the same preliminary heat, the winner will receive 400 points with 300 going to second place – enough to change the lead.  Also, the top qualifier receives 100 points with 80 for second place.

Both will have to contend with other boats and drivers who have looked strong recently.  Kip Brown added a podium finish in Coeur d’Alene to a series of good performances in the 95 Spirit of Qatar and J. Michael Kelly’s 37 Miss Beacon Plumbing had the speed to run out front along with other drivers in the fast nine boat field for San Diego.

Bayfair on Mission Bay begins with testing and qualifying on Friday and the first heats of racing on Saturday. The Championship Final Heat is set for 5pm Sunday.

San Diego Bayfair team roster –