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| photo from www.LakeoftheOzarksShootout.com |
The Lake of the Ozarks Shootout brings the top powerboat racers and off-shore racing boats to our lake to compete for the title of "Top Gun," meaning they are faster than all the rest. It is the largest unsanctioned boat race in the Midwest, boasting over 100 racers and more than 100,000 spectators! Many may come to watch the excitement of the boats speeding across the water, which can reach over 200 MPH, but underneath it all, money is being raised for some very worthwhile local causes. After the 2016 races, $195,000 was donated to 34 different charities and local fire departments in the lake area.
Some Shootout History
It all started back in 1988 as a friendly race to find out which local boats were the fastest, plus raise funds for the Osage Beach, Sunrise Beach, and Lake Ozark Fire Districts. The name "Shootout" comes from the fact that the races took place at Shooters 21 in Osage Beach. After a few name changes, the event became the "Lake Fire Rescue Shootout in 1997. In 2007, Shooters 21 was demolished the day after their final Shootout race.
Captain Ron's Bar & Grill in Sunrise Beach became the new Shootout home base the following year on the event's 20th anniversary. To this day, the Shootout has remained in this location, but many other spin-off events have been added to make the entire celebration a week-long event. There are poker runs, mini-shootouts, treasure hunts, and much more, including a meet & greet with racers and their boats on the Bagnell Dam Strip prior to the races. All of that fun leads up to 2 days full of the fastest boats you've ever seen on the lake!
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| photo from www.LakeoftheOzarksShootout.com |
On Saturday & Sunday, August 26 & 27, the races take place. You can view them from Captain Ron's, where there will also be a vendor village set up. The best views to be had are from the water, though. Boats filled with excited spectators will line the course, thrilled to watch each racer take their turn against the clock. You can catch a shuttle from Captain Ron's to the Celebration Cruise Boat to watch all the action from there if you don't have a boat of your own.
If you aren't able to get yourself on a boat for the day, the races will be streaming live online from www.LakeoftheOzarksShootout.com. That site also has all of the additional information you could possibly wish to know about this incredible event, including times for last year's winners. You will be amazed by what you see!
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| photo from www.LakeoftheOzarksShootout.com |
A popular destination gift shop near the
Lake of the Ozarks
1603 Business Hwy 54,
Eldon, Missouri 65026
573-392-7900
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