For Immediate Release Media Contact: Pam Jones or Marjorie Beenders
August 16, 2010 Phone: 573-636-8282 « Email: pam@tbwgroup.net
Shootout is a Shoo-In for Action & Fun
at Central Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks
LAKE OF THE OZARKS, MO - Fast boats and fun galore are guaranteed at the 22nd annual Lake of the Ozarks Shootout, Aug. 23-29, the annual event that determines who’s the Top Gun with the fastest boat at the Lake. The largest unsanctioned boat race in the US, named one of the nation’s eight “must-see” boating events according to Powerboat Magazine, the Shootout will take place for the third year at Captain Ron’s Bar & Grill in Sunrise Beach (Lake Road 5-50, mile marker 34.5). The event raises funds for eight Lake-area rescue teams and numerous other charitable organizations; last year, $50,877.86 was raised and distributed.
2009 Top Gun honors once again went to David Scott and John Tomlinson of Nauti Marine, based at Lake of the Ozarks Performance Marina in Sunrise Beach. The duo also won the Top Gun title in 2008, and in 2009 set a new course record of 196 mph as they competed against 122 other racers before record crowds of more than 70,000, including race fans who lined the course to watch from more than 8,000 boats, plus about 13,000 tuned in over the Internet.
“We’ve worked really hard the past couple years to regain the Top Gun title and I feel pretty fortunate for our success,” says Top Gun David Scott. “This brings it to seven Top Gun title awards. Someone asked me which one is my favorite, and I said, ‘The next one.’ I'm hoping eight will be my new lucky number.”
Scott adds, “This year, we’ve continued to test and work on our new motors and we look forward to posting better numbers. We have been able to increase our speeds every year, so we’re planning on keeping that streak going.”
But the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout is not only a race—it’s also a full week of fun, family friendly events. On Monday, Aug. 23, the second annual Shootout Benefit Golf Tournament will be held at Indian Rock Golf Club in Laurie, with a 1:00 p.m. shotgun start. That evening at 7:45 p.m., country music star David Ball & The Pioneer Playboys will perform at the Cannon Smoked Saloon in Sunrise Beach; the concert is free to the public. From 5-10 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 24, Captain Ron’s will present the first annual Great Shootout Treasure Hunt. “It’s like an Easter Egg Hunt for adults, with little treasure chests buried throughout our beach and property,” says Ron Duggan, owner of Captain Ron’s. He notes one of those chests will win for its “finder” an ATV from Surdyke Yamaha.
Another exciting new event will be the first annual Mini-Shootout Remote Controlled Boat Race, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 25. “These are not kids’ toy boats,” Duggan says. “Several are worth thousands of dollars and are miniature versions of the types of boats you’ll see racing at the Shootout. One is turbine powered and reaches speeds of up to 70 mph! It’s going to be very cool.” Another first on Wednesday will be the Shootout on the Strip Street Party, starting at 6 p.m. Explains Duggan, “The Bagnell Dam Strip will be closed and we’ll line up several racing boats. Visitors can meet the race teams and get autographs and pictures. It’s going to be just like an event that’s held in Key West for their races and everyone has a blast.” The popular 130-mile Shootout PWC Dam Run will take place at 10 a.m., Wednesday, departing from Surdyke Yamaha and ending with a party at Shorty Pants, both located in Osage Beach; the entry fee will be $150.
On Thursday, Aug. 26 the “Puttin’ On The Wish” event will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., during which racers will offer rides in actual Shootout boats to help the Platinum Powerboat Club support boating at its highest level of safety while raising awareness for the sport and money for the less fortunate. Another Shootout first will be the Celebrity Sand Volleyball Tournament from 2-6 p.m. at Captain Ron’s, featuring several Kansas City Chiefs players including Walter White. From 6-8 p.m., the 2010 Shootout Charity Auction at Captain Ron’s will offer thousands of dollars’ worth of goods and services, from golf and lodging to home décor and improvement, jewelry, retail and restaurant gift certificates, auto supplies and much, much more; last year’s auction brought in more than $10,500 for Lake-area rescue teams and charities.
The action will pick up again on Friday with the popular Shootout Poker Run, starting at 7:30 a.m. at Shady Gator’s in Lake Ozark. The Stereo Shootout, presented by Waves & Wheels, will take place at 6 p.m. at Dog Days in Osage Beach. And another Shootout first, the spectacular Fireworks at Dark display will start at 9 p.m. at Captain Ron’s. Saturday’s finale will be a free concert by the alternative metal band Shaman’s Harvest at 8 p.m. at Captain Ron’s.
From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday through Sunday, the Racer Village and Vendor Village, featuring more than 60 vendors, will be open at Captain Ron’s, where race fans also will enjoy free live entertainment nightly.
On Saturday and Sunday…it’s time to race! Opening ceremonies will start at 10 a.m. each day at Captain Ron’s, followed by heart-stopping competitions in more than 25 boat classes based on length, hull design, and size and number of motors. Each racer will have one mile to build up speed before being clocked by radar. The times will be recorded and measured against other competitors; as a result, each boat will race against the clock, not other participants. Final Top Gun Runs will take place at 4:30 p.m. Sunday and the awards ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. at Captain Ron’s.
Shootout participants may register online at www.lakeoftheozarksshootout.org or in person Thursday through Sunday at Captain Ron’s. The $50 registration fee includes two runs.
Spectators may watch the race from private boats or from the comfort of the Celebration Cruise yacht, right at the finish line. Day passes will be $75 per person, per day, and will include a buffet, parking and drink specials. Special group rates will be available. The Celebration will depart from the Lake of the Ozarks Marina off Highway 5 at the Niangua Bridge at 9:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday; or, race fans can pay just $35 per person ($25 in advance) for a roundtrip shuttle to the Celebration via the sleek, swift SeaRocket. The Celebration also will offer a cruise to watch Shootout boaters taking part in the Poker Run on Friday, Aug. 27. For information, please call (53) 480-3212 or visit www.cruiselake.com. In addition, you can tune in to the Shootout anywhere in the world via the Internet for just $10. “Watch for just one hour or all 16 hours of racing,” Duggan says. “It’s a great way to see the races if you can’t be here in person.”
Captain Ron’s is easily accessible from Highway 5, and boat and car parking will be available, Duggan says. Parking will be $10 per vehicle with free admission to the property and Vendor and Racer Villages.
Major Shootout sponsors include Diet Pepsi, Powerboat Magazine, Captain Ron’s, Lockton, AT&T The Real Yellow Pages, LOProfile Magazine, Poly Lift Boat Lifts, Charter Media, KRMS AM 1150, Budweiser, 93.5 Rocks and Rough Water Dock.
“I’ve been living and racing here for many years and just love this Shootout event. Captain Ron has done a great job not only taking it over, but growing the event,” says Top Gun Scott. “Having traveled to many fantastic cities in and outside the U.S. with my Offshore Superboat racing career, this event ranks right at the top.”
Adds Captain Ron Duggan himself, “It’s such a blast to see these amazing boats! Come on out and enjoy the family atmosphere here at Captain Ron’s and at the Shootout, and help support the local economy and worthy charities at the Lake. It’s a great show and a fun time for all!”
For more information about the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout, please call 573-348-1221 or visit www.lakeoftheozarksshootout.org. And to find out more about all the events, activities, shopping, attractions, lodging and dining at Central Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks, call 800-FUN-LAKE (386-5253) or visit the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau’s web site, www.funlake.com.
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