30th Annual Lake Of The Ozarks Shootout Promises Fast Boats & Fun Times at The Lake

Some of the world's fastest boats will be in Central Missouri for two days of speed and nine days of entertaining events during the 30th Annual Lake of the Ozarks Shootout, August 18-26.

Heralded as one of the "must-see boating events" in the country by Powerboat Magazine, the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout is the largest unsanctioned boat racing event in the nation. Over 100,000 spectators turn out for the Shootout each year to witness  some of the fastest offshore powerboats in the world race individually to see who can clock the fastest speed as they compete for the coveted honor of "Top Gun."

According to Tim Jacobsen, executive director of the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau, the Shootout is a fun and exciting family-friendly event.

"The Shootout is certainly one of the most popular summer events at the Lake of the Ozarks and for a good reason," Jacobsen says. "It's an event that's unique to our lake and it's an amazing experience to see these incredibly fast boats fly across the water and hit top speeds of over 200 mph. And, the atmosphere at Captain Ron's is great. Everyone in attendance gets pumped up and cheers for the boats as they try to break the speed record. It really is a 'must-see' event."

The Shootout, celebrating its 30th anniversary, brings in about 100 boats to compete for top honors along the lake race course in front of Captain Ron's Bar and Grill. Captain Ron's is located on Lake Road 5-50 in Sunrise Beach or the 34.5 Mile Marker by water. Last year, the American Ethanol powerboat was awarded the overall "Top Gun" honor for the third year running after its best run clocked in at 204 mph. The eight-person American Ethanol team will be back again this year to defend their title and try to break the current Shootout speed record of 244 mph, set in 2014 by the Spirit of Qatar.

"There's a lot of excitement with it being the 30th anniversary," says Ron Duggan, the event coordinator and owner of Captain Ron's Bar and Grill. "Because of that we're expecting a larger crowd for the weekend. We also have some big name competitors signed up to race this year, so it's going to be really exciting and a great show for the crowd."

The races take place on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 25 and 26 along the official three-fourths-of-a-mile-long track. There will be nearly 70 different race divisions with over 10 Top Gun class winners named over the course of the weekend. Divisions include professional, non-professional and manufacturer classes, among others.

Saturday's activities get underway with personal water craft races from 8:30-9:30 a.m., followed by the official opening ceremonies and national anthem at 9:45 a.m. The powerboat races begin after the opening ceremonies and continue until 5 p.m. Between powerboat races there also will be a powerboat parade by the local marine dealers as well as acrobatic aerial performances by Brian Correll Airshows. From 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., there will be a vendor village selling various goods and souvenirs and a racing village with the latest and greatest in performance engines and accessories on display. There will be over 60 different exhibitors present and both villages are open to the public. After Saturday's races conclude, there will be live music at Captain Ron's by Fat Mike and the Bartenders followed by Members Only. DJ Kyle will close out the evening after Members Only. The music will run from 6 p.m. until 1 a.m.

On Sunday, the vendor and racing villages will open at 9 a.m. and the high-octane action picks up with races taking place from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.  The presentation of the 2018 "Top Gun" honors will take place during the awards ceremony at 4 p.m.

Many spectators choose to get a front row seat for the races by tying up their boats along the course outside of Captain Ron's. There are typically around 6,000 boats filled with onlookers cheering on the powerboats. On land, visitors can view the races on televisions at Captain Ron's. And, those who can't make it in person can watch live online at www.KRMSradio.com . 

Although the weekend races are certainly the largest draw, there are many other events that lead up to the action-packed weekend. Other activities and events include the Mini-Shootout the weekend of August 18 and 19 in the Ha Ha Tonka cove in Camdenton, which features remote-controlled boat races; the Great Lake of the Ozarks Shootout Treasure Hunt on August 20 in the sandy beaches at Captain Ron's; a Shootout Volleyball Tournament also at Captain Ron's on August 21 and the Shootout Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony takes place at Cannon Smoked Saloon in Sunrise Beach on August 21.

The Shootout on the Strip meet and greet party takes place along the historic Bagnell Dam Strip in Lake Ozark the evening of August 22. The meet and greet is a great opportunity for the public to peek inside these incredible racing machines and meet the captains and crews of each participating vessel. There also will be fun and entertaining activities for children as well.

In addition, the heart-warming Wish Upon a Ride event takes place on August 23 from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. at dock three at Captain Ron's. For Wish Upon A Ride, powerboat captains donate their time to give special powerboat rides to over 150 children and adults with disabilities and/or serious medical conditions providing them with an incredibly memorable experience that brings smiles to their faces as well as their families'.

There's the popular on-the-water poker run on August 24 with registration and breakfast running from 7:30 a.m. until 10 a.m. at Big Thunder Marina in Gravois Mills. The poker run concludes at Shady Gators Bar and Grill in Lake Ozark, at 6 p.m. At the completion of the poker run there will be a dinner and award ceremony as well.

Over the years, the Shootout has become one of the most popular summer events at the Lake of the Ozarks, as well as one of the most successful fundraisers for the community. Last year, the Shootout donated $200,000 to 28 local charities and eight fire departments. Duggan is hoping to surpass that figure for 2018 and he's proud to say that in the 10 years the Shootout has been held at Captain Ron's, they've generated $1.43 million for local Lake of the Ozarks charities.

For complete details on the 2018 Shootout, including information on lodging and parking as well as a full schedule of  activities , visit   www.LakeOfTheOzarksShootout.org .  

For additional attractions, events as well as all lodging and dining options available at the Lake of the Ozarks, visit  the  Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau's award-winning website,  www.FunLake.com.  Or, call   800-FUN-LAKE (386-5253).

2018 Lake Race Brings High-Speed Action To The Lake Of The Ozarks

A week of speed-themed activities bookends one of the fastest-paced events at the Lake of the Ozarks, the 2018 Lake Race, Saturday, June 2.

The Lake Race is one of two powerboat races that take place at the "Best Recreational Lake" in the Nation and features some of the fastest boats from all over the country as they compete for big prize money and bragging rights.   

Leading up to the main event, there are several Lake Race festivities, including the "Festival of Speed" on Thursday, May 31. The Festival of Speed takes place at Big Thunder Marine Showroom, 3401 Bagnell Dam Boulevard in Lake Ozark, and features both indoor and outdoor exhibits of many models, shapes and sizes of fast boats. The Festival of Speed runs from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m.

On Friday, June 1, the lower area of the historic Bagnell Dam Strip in Lake Ozark, from west end of the "Strip" to the dam, will shut down to traffic and transform into the Lake Race headquarters. There will be a  Lake Race Street Party at 5 p.m., complete with a family-friendly race "village" where the public can meet the racers and check out all the impressive power boats.

The official Offshore Powerboat Association-sanctioned Lake Race gets underway on Saturday morning with the opening ceremonies beginning at 10:40 a.m.  at Beavers at the Dam restaurant, 1076 Bagnell Dam Boulevard. All the high-speed excitement kicks off at 11 a.m. as competitors thunder across the officially designated four-mile race course to see who can clock the fastest  time. The races last until 5 p.m., at which point all competitors will have completed their heats. There will be designated anchor spots along the course for attendees viewing the races from their boats. On land, spectators will be able to watch all the thrilling action from prime viewing spots along Bagnell Dam as well as at many of the sponsoring establishments as boats run from the zero-mile marker to the four-mile marker of the Lake of the Ozarks. 

The winners of the 2018 Lake Race will be announced that evening during the award ceremony held at Camden on the Lake Resort, 2359 Bittersweet Road in Lake Ozark. Afterward, back at the Bagnell Dam Strip, there will be an after-party with live music and entertainment.  

In the days following the boat race, other events include the Lake Race Poker Run from Camden on the Lake on Friday, June 8, the Lake Race 5K fun run/walk race along the Bagnell Dam Strip on Saturday, June 9 and the "Paddle Battle" kayak race at Super Dave's Paddlecraft Adventures located at Frankie and Louie's Beachfront Bar and Grill, 1028 Deer Valley Park in Sunrise Beach, on Tuesday, June 12.

For more details on all the 2018  Lake  Race events and a full list of viewing locations and participating sponsors, visit www.LakeRace.com.  

To get additional information about all the fun  events,  attractions  as well as  dining  and lodging options available  at the "Best Recreational Lake" in the nation, call the  Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau  (CVB) at  800-FUN-LAKE , or visit the CVB's award-winning website at  www.FunLake.com . 

POWERBOATS COMPETE FOR "TOP GUN" HONORS AT LAKE OF THE OZARKS SHOOTOUT

Thousands of spectators will flock to Captain Ron's Bar & Grill, located at Lake Road 5-50 in Sunrise Beach, to witness the thrill and excitement of pure speed as some of the world's fastest powerboats race against the clock during the 27th Annual Lake of the Ozarks Shootout. The Shootout consists of ten action-packed days of racing-themed activities and celebrations, beginning Friday, Aug. 21, and continuing through Sunday, Aug. 30. This wildly popular annual event features all types of watercraft racing individually against the radar gun. Ranging from remote-controlled boats to personal watercraft to power boats and offshore racing boats, some competitors will exceed speeds of over 200 miles per hour. The largest unsanctioned boat race in the country, the Shootout attracts between 75,000 to 100,000 people from across the US to witness some of the top offshore racing powerboats in the world compete for the coveted honor of "Top Gun." Powerboat Magazine lists it as one of eight "must-see" boating events, and the magazine's readers have voted it the number one race in the nation. "I'm really excited for this year's races," says Ron Duggan, event organizer and owner of Captain Ron's Bar and Grill. "We've added several new classes, so we'll see even more boats and we will have the most competition for the "Top Gun" award than ever before. It will be a great show for the crowds." Last year, The Spirit of Qatar, captained by Sheikh Hassan, claimed the 2014 "Top Gun" trophy with a run clocking in at 244 mph, crushing the standing Shootout speed record by 20 mph. Hassan's run beat the previous record, which was set in 2013 by Bill Tomlinson and Ken Kehoe of the Canadian racing team, My Way. The Canadians' once-record breaking run of 224 mph was expected to hold up for years. "If you really want to see fast boats, Sunday's races are the time to be here," Duggan says.  "All the adjustments have been made from Saturday's races and the teams show up ready to run." Racing spectators can experience the action from televisions at Captain Ron's, from the decks of the cruise boat Celebration or by tying up along the course as part of the Shootout's flotilla of thousands of boats. "We generally have around 6,000 boats lining the course to watch the races. It's quite the spectacle," adds Duggan. Although the races are the main attraction, the Shootout is all about giving back to the community. Close to 700 hundred volunteers serve over seven thousand hours to ensure the success of the event's activities, which generate generous donations to 32 area charities, including six local fire protection districts. Last year, the Shootout generated $125,000 for local charities and Duggan has set his sights on raising $150,000 this year.  "It really says a lot about our community," Duggan says. "It's simply amazing to have so many people donate so much of their time and money to make this such an enjoyable event and a great fundraiser for our local charities. That's what it's all about." Captain Ron's Bar and Grill in Sunrise Beach is hosting the event for the eighth year. For complete details on the 2015 Shootout, including information on lodging and parking as well as a full schedule of activities, visit  www.LakeOfTheOzarksShootout.org. Following is a schedule of the 2015 Shootout events and activities. SHOOTOUT SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 2015 Lake of the Ozarks Shootout activities are open to the public, though many require registration for participants. Details about registering and attending any of the week's events can be found at LakeOfTheOzarksShootout.org. AUGUST 15 Shootout PWC Dam Poker Run This personal watercraft (PWC) run offers an opportunity to explore the scenic views along the upper mile markers of Lake Ozark. The run begins at 8 a.m. at Surdyke Yamaha, 5863 Osage Beach Parkway in Osage Beach (26 mile marker on the Osage Arm). PWC riders will experience the calm waters and beautiful scenery on the 130-mile journey to Truman Dam and back.  Along the way, they will make pit stops at lakeside restaurants and marinas for fuel, refreshments and playing cards for a poker hand. The After Party takes place at Shorty Pants Lounge, 1680 Autumn Road in Osage Beach (21.6 mile marker by water), to compare poker hands and award prizes. Entry donation is $150 per PWC, $10 for each additional passenger and $25 for one extra poker hand. Participants can register at www.SurdykeYamaha.com. AUGUST 21 Second Annual Lil' Boat and Pontoon Poker Run Sponsored by Border X'pressions, this run is for boats and pontoons 32 feet and under.  This poker run features "dual starting points," with starting points on both sides of the Lake and a finish point in the middle.  For more information, or to enter, visit lakeoftheozarksshootout.org/lilboatpontoon.html. AUGUST 21-23  Sixth Annual Mini Shootout  Held at Papa Chubby's, which is located by land at 820 Serene Valley in Sunrise Beach, or by water at the 26 mile marker, the Mini Shootout features remote-controlled boats up to six feet long, traveling at speeds up to 100 mph.  Friday night, Aug. 21, features registration and a meet-and-greet at 5 p.m., with musical entertainment from 6-11 p.m.  On Saturday, Aug. 22, practice runs take place from 9 a.m. until noon, with lunch and open swimming from noon until 1 p.m.  Splash runs and the Bounty Race take place from 1-5 p.m., with musical entertainment from 7-11 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, features bracket racing, exhibition races and "Powder Puff" racing from 9 a.m. until noon. Lunch and open swimming are available from12-1 p.m. From 1-4 p.m., racing includes class runs, Top Gun racing and the Bounty Race. An awards ceremony and celebration will follow the racing. AUGUST 23  Old Kinderhook & Manor Roofing Present the 2015 Shootout Benefit Golf Tournament  2015 is the seventh year for this tournament, played at Old Kinderhook Golf Resort, 20 Eagle Ridge Road, west of Camdenton. The tournament begins with registration and lunch at noon, followed by a 1 p.m. shotgun start.  Players may register by calling the Old Kinderhook Pro Shop at 573-317-3573.  Proceeds benefit the Shootout charities. AUGUST 24 LakeExpo.com Presents The Great Shootout Treasure Hunt  Captain Ron's hosts a hunt for treasure in the sand at Cannonball Beach from 5-8 p.m. Participants dig in the sand for treasure chests, one of which contains the grand prize. Captain Ron's is at Lake Road 5-50 in Sunrise Beach, or at the 34.5 mile marker by water. All proceeds benefit the Kids Harbor Child Advocacy Center. Tickets for the treasure hunt can be purchased for $20 each at Captain Ron's or Cannon Smoked Saloon, or by calling Cara Gerdiman of Kids Harbor at 573-348-6886. AUGUST 25 Shootout Hall of Fame Dinner Join race enthusiasts and special guests at the annual Shootout Hall of Fame dinner at 5:30 p.m. at the Stables at Cannon Smoked Saloon.  Visit the Shootout website for reservations.  AUGUST 25  Shootout Volleyball Tournament Captain Ron's hosts a volleyball tournament from 4-8 p.m., with live musical entertainment.  Register for the tournament at Captain Ron's or plan to come cheer on the teams and enjoy the entertainment. AUGUST 26 Shootout on The Strip Meet and Greet Wheels and Waves presents this opportunity for fans to see the boats up close and meet the drivers along the historic Bagnell Dam Strip, where most of the race's drivers will show off their rigs from 2-10 p.m.  There will be vendor booths and activities for the kids, so attendees can enjoy the day and also vote for their favorites in the "Sharpest Shooter" contest. AUGUST 27 "Make-A-Wish" Powerboat Rides, sponsored by First National Bank At this special event, racers donate their time and their boats to provide the "ride of a lifetime" to children with disabilities or serious illnesses and their families. Boat rides will be given from noon until 4 p.m. and will depart from Dock #3 at Captain Ron's. Families can register for the rides by contacting Tiffany Riemann at 573-368-1177 or tiffany@lakeareaindustries.org. AUGUST 27 Lake of the Ozarks Shootout Charity Auction Performance Boat Center, 1650 Yacht Club Drive in Osage Beach, hosts the annual Lake of the Ozarks Charity Auction. A silent auction runs from 5-7 p.m. with a live auction beginning at 7 p.m. The auctions are open to the public and attendees will have the opportunity to bid on all kinds of great items, including boats and docks, sports memorabilia, gift certificates, as well as golf, travel and dining packages. Proceeds from the auctions go to benefit the local Shootout charities, including several Lake-area fire-rescue teams. For more information about the auction, visit www.lakeoftheozarksshootout.org/auction.html. AUGUST 27 Stereo Shootout Bragging rights for the biggest and best stereos are on the line at the Stereo Shootout at Camden on the Lake, 2359 Bittersweet Road, Lake Ozark (7 mile marker by water) from 6-8:30 p.m. Check the Shootout website for more information about this event, presented by Waves and Wheels. AUGUST 28 Poly-Lift Poker Run From 10:30 a.m. until 7 p.m., participants will try to get the best poker hand at locations around the Lake, beginning at Backwater Jack's, 4341 Beach Drive, Osage Beach (17 mile marker by water) and ending at Captain Ron's. Registration will be held the day before the run at Performance Boat Center, or beginning at 8 a.m. at Backwater Jack's on the day of the run. Entry fees begin at $200 and registration forms are available on the Shootout website. AUGUST 29 Shootout Racing Opening ceremonies begin at 10 a.m. on Aug. 29 at Captain Ron's. The Racer Village and vendor booths, located at Captain Ron's, are open to the public from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Racing begins with personal watercraft races at 8:30 a.m. Powerboat races begin following the opening ceremonies. AUGUST 30 Shootout Racing Powerboat racing resumes at 10 a.m. and will end at 3 p.m. The Racer Village and vendor booths, located at Captain Ron's, are open to the public from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Closing ceremonies are at 4 p.m., including the awards presentations for each class and crowning of the Shootout's overall "Top Gun." Celebrate by tying up along the course as part of the Shootout's flotilla of thousands of boats.

Lake Race 2015 Set for June 6 – 7

Watch the biggest and baddest powerboats from all over the country compete for big prize money and bragging rights at the Lake of the Ozarks during the 2015 Lake Race, June 4 – 7.   "The Lake Race is a great opportunity for fans of boat racing to get an up-close-and-personal view of these awesome boats," says Tim Jacobsen, Executive Director of the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau. "There's nothing quite like watching these power boats reach top speed as they make their way around the course." The lower area of the historic Bagnell Dam Strip in Lake Ozark will shut down to traffic and transform into the Lake Race headquarters on Friday, June 5. There will be a Lake Race Street Party at 6 pm, complete with a family-friendly race "village" where the public can meet the racers and check out all the impressive speed machines. Live musical entertainment starts at 7 pm with the Patrick Lentz Band from Kansas City. The Lake Race gets underway on Saturday morning with the opening ceremonies beginning at 11:30 am at Beavers at the Dam restaurant. All the excitement comes to a climax when the race officially kicks off at noon as competitors thunder across the Lake to see who can clock the fastest four-mile time. Spectators will be able to watch all the high-speed action from prime viewing spots along Bagnell Dam as well as at many of the sponsoring establishments as boats run from the zero-mile marker to the four-mile marker of the Lake of the Ozarks. The first day of racing comes to a close at 4 pm. There will be a celebratory Lake Race party at Beavers at the Dam with live music from Disco Dick and the Mirrorballs. Racing continues on Sunday from 12 noon until 4 pm. The winners of the 2015 Lake Race will be announced at 5:30 pm at Beavers at the Dam. The Lake Race is produced by the Offshore Powerboat Association and hosted by Beavers at the Dam and the Lake of the Ozarks Watershed Alliance. For more information on the 2015 Lake Race and a full list of viewing locations and participating sponsors, visit www.LakeRace.com.   For more information on other events, attractions, accommodations and dining options in the Lake area, please call the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau (CVB) at 1-800-FUN-Lake. Or, visit the CVB's award-winning website at www.FunLake.com.