Powerboats to compete at Lake of the Ozarks Shootout
The 2019 Lake of the Ozarks Shootout is scheduled to return to the Lake of the Ozarks Aug. 24 and 25.
Billed as “America’s largest and longest running powerboat race,” the event will feature powerboats racing individually to see who can log the fastest speed and earn the title of overall “Top Gun.”
“For anyone who likes boats or boating, you don’t want to miss the Shootout,” said Ron Duggan, Shootout coordinator. “You’ll see every type of boat imaginable, and it’s a thrilling and exciting event. You have some of the fastest boats in the world captained by some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. The racers are so generous with their time and they love taking photos with the spectators and talking about and showing off their boats. It’s a lot of fun for everyone.”
Throughout the racing weekend, over 100,000 spectators turn out to watch these powerful vessels top out at speeds of over 200 miles per hour along the race course near Captain Ron’s Bar and Grill, 82 Aloha Road in Sunrise Beach, Missouri, or at the 34.5 mile marker by water. The competitive field features roughly 100 boats competing in more than 60 different race divisions, including professional, non-professional and manufacturer classes, among others.
American Ethanol is the reigning Shootout champion, claiming the Top Gun title the last four years running. In 2018, American Ethanol won with a speed of 204 miles per hour. Spectators and racers alike will be eager to see if the American Ethanol team can extend their winning streak and break the long-standing fastest-ever time logged at the Shootout of 244 miles per hour set by the Spirit of Qatar in 2014.
Races get underway Aug. 24 with personal watercraft races from 9:30 to 10 a.m., followed by the official opening ceremonies and national anthem at 9:45 a.m. The powerboat races begin after the national anthem and continue until 4 p.m. In addition to the races, there will be other special events throughout the races such as acrobatic aerial performances by Brian Correll during the Shootout Airshow. From 9 a.m. until 5 p.m, there will be a vendor village selling various goods and souvenirs as well as a racing village with the latest in performance engines and boating accessories on display. Between the two villages, the public can visit over 60 different exhibitors. Captain Ron’s also hosts live musical entertainment on Saturday with performances throughout the day.
Aug. 25, the villages open at 9 a.m. and races take place from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. The presentation of the 2019 “Top Gun” honors will take place during the awards ceremony at 4 p.m. at Captain Ron’s.
Events start Friday
While the weekend’s races draw the biggest crowds, there are many Shootout events leading up to the high-octane weekend. Other events and activities include the Mini Shootout this weekend, featuring remote-controlled race boats that reach speeds upwards of 120 miles per hour near the springs of Ha Ha Tonka State Park; the “Run What Ya Brung” Poker Run takes place throughout the day on Friday; a Shootout Treasure Hunt on Monday in the sandy beaches at Captain Ron’s; the Shootout Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony at Cannon Smoked Saloon in Sunrise Beach on Tuesday, and the Float Your Boat contest where participants build the most sea-worthy vessels out of cardboard and duct tape Tuesday.
Race fans will have the opportunity to check out the Shoot-Out’s impressive speed machines up close and in-person during the popular “Shootout on the Strip” meet-and-greet party along the historic Bagnell Dam Strip in Lake Ozark Wednesday from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. There also will be activities for children.
For complete details on the 2019 Shootout, including information on lodging and parking as well as a full schedule of activities, visit www.LakeOfTheOzarksShootout.com.For more ways to have fun at the Lake of the Ozarks, visit FunLake.com online, or call 800.386.5253.
(Editor’s note: Information provided by the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau.)
https://www.myguidon.com/powerboats-...arks-shootout/
