MADISON, Indiana — The wait is over. The H1 Unlimited Hydroplane Series launches its 2026 season this Fourth of July weekend as the Madison Regatta once again welcomes the world’s fastest race boats to the Ohio River.
Seven teams will battle for one of the sport’s most prestigious trophies, the APBA Gold Cup, while opening the chase for the National High Points Championship.
The weekend begins Friday morning with official testing, followed by qualifying Friday afternoon to set the starting order. Racing gets underway Saturday with the first preliminary heat scheduled for noon. Under H1 Unlimited’s new competition format, teams will compete in four preliminary heats before advancing to Sunday’s winner-take-all APBA Gold Cup Final.
Adding to the excitement, competitors will race once again on Madison’s historic course beneath the Milton-Madison Bridge, bringing back one of the most recognizable and challenging layouts in H1 Unlimited history.
Seven teams are scheduled to compete in Madison:
• U-1 BWR Racing | Andrew Tate
• U-00 Maverick | J. Michael Kelly
• U-3 Tahoe Miss | Corey Peabody
• U-6 Royer Miss Madison | Brandon Kennedy
• U-11 Miss FLAV-R-PAC | Jamie Nilsen
• U-27 Miss Apollo | Jimmy Shane
• U-40 Bucket List Racing | Dylan Runne
The field features an impressive mix of champions, veterans, and rising stars. Seven-time National Champion Jimmy Shane returns in the Miss Apollo U-27, while Andrew Tate looks to continue his remarkable success after winning the last two Madison Regattas. J. Michael Kelly, Corey Peabody, and Jamie Nilsen bring years of championship experience, Brandon Kennedy returns to represent the hometown Royer Miss Madison team, and Dylan Runne continues building momentum aboard the returning U-40 Bucket List Racing.
Madison has long been one of H1 Unlimited’s signature venues. Over the past decade, the event has produced unforgettable moments, with Jimmy Shane earning five Madison victories, Andrew Tate claiming the last two editions, and both J. Michael Kelly and Corey Peabody adding their names to the prestigious list of winners. With a new race format, the return of the historic course, and a talented seven-boat field, the stage is set for an unforgettable opening weekend to the 2026 H1 Unlimited season.
