Enjoy 10 Days of Fast Fun at the 2014 Lake of the Ozarks Shootout 

Lake of the Ozarks, Mo. - Ten days of activities await attendees at the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout powerboat races. Beginning Friday, Aug. 15, and continuing through Sunday, Aug. 24, the Shootout will feature 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 with speeds exceeding 200 miles per hour on the Lake.

Captain Ron's Bar and Grill in Sunrise Beach is hosting the event for the seventh year. All the particulars of Shootout participation, including lodging and parking, can be found on the race's website at www.LakeOfTheOzarksShootout.org.

 

The Canadian racing team's catamaran, "My Way," shattered the event's previous record with a speed of 224 mph.

The Lake of the Ozarks Shootout is the largest unsanctioned boat race in the country, featuring some of the top racers and offshore racing powerboats in the U.S. and Canada. The race has also become an international event in the last few years.  Boats from Khatar and Norway will join the field.  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 country.

 

Bill Tomlinson and Ken Kehoe showing off the "Top Gun" trophies after 2013's record-breaking run.

Last year, Canadian racing team Bill Tomlinson and Ken Kehoe shattered the event's previous record with a speed of 224 mph to claim the "Top Gun" trophy.

 

"If you really want to see fast boats, Sunday's races are the time to be there," said Ron Duggan, event organizer and owner of Captain Ron's.  "All the adjustments have been made from Saturday's race and they show up ready to run."

 

Race fans 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.

 

Captain Ron's Bar and Grill offers many great ways to watch the races.

The Lake area community comes together to support the Shootout and, in turn, the charities it benefits.  Hundreds of volunteers serve thousands of hours to ensure the success of the event's activities and generous donations to 23 area charities, including six local fire protection districts. Increasing the funds raised continues to be a goal for Duggan.  He has set his sights on a $125,000 donation this year, topping last year by $10,000 for the various charities.  "That's really what it's all about," he says.

 

The Shootout is just one of many exciting summer and fall events and travel stories at the Lake of the Ozarks. To find out more about all the dining, accommodations and activities at the Lake, call 800-FUN-LAKE or visit FunLake.com.

2014 Shootout Schedule of Events

2014 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 on the Shootout website at: www.LakeOfTheOzarksShootout.org.

AUGUST 15-17 

Fifth Annual Mini Shootout 

Held at Papa Chubby's at the 26 mile marker, this mini-shootout features remote-controlled boats up to six feet long, traveling at speeds up to 100 mph. 

• Friday night, Aug. 15, features registration and a meet-and-greet at 5 p.m., with entertainment from 6-10 p.m. 
• On Saturday, Aug. 16, practice runs take place from 9 a.m.-noon, with lunch and open swimming from noon-1 p.m.  Splash runs and the Bounty Race take place from 1-5 p.m., with entertainment from 7-11 p.m.
• Sunday, Aug. 17, features bracket racing, exhibition races and "Powder Puff" racing from 9 a.m.-noon and lunch and open swimming from noon-1 p.m. From 1-4 p.m., racing includes class runs, Top Gun racing and the Bounty Race. The awards celebration follows racing.

AUGUST 17 

Old Kinderhook presents the 2014 Shootout Benefit Golf Tournament 

2014 is the sixth 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 18

The Great Shootout Treasure Hunt 

Captain Ron's hosts a dinner and 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 5-50 Lake Road in Sunrise Beach, or at the 34.5 mile marker by water. Tickets for the treasure hunt, hosted by LakeExpo.com, can be purchased for $25 each at Captain Ron's or Cannon Smoked Saloon, or by calling Tricia Morris at the Laurie/Sunrise Beach Rotary Club - 573-374-8400 - and all proceeds benefit the Kids Harbor Child Advocacy Center.

AUGUST 19

Lil' Boats and Pontoons Poker Run

Sponsored by Border X'pressions, this run is for boats and pontoons 32 feet and under.  It is the lake's first-ever "dual starting point" poker run, with starting points on both sides of the Lake and a finish point in the middle.  For more information, or to enter, call 573-723-0804.

AUGUST 19 

Shootout Volleyball Tournament

Captain Ron's hosts a volleyball tournament from 4-8 p.m., with live entertainment by Davie Ray and Richard.  Register for the tournament at Captain Ron's.

AUGUST 20

Shootout in the Park

Performance Boat Center presents this opportunity for fans to see the boats up close and meet the drivers at the Laurie Fairgrounds, 269 Fairgrounds Drive, where most of the race's drivers will show off their rigs from noon-10 p.m.  There will be vendor booths and bounce houses for the kids, so attendees can enjoy the day at Shootout in the Park and also vote for their favorites in the "Sharpest Shooter" contest. 

AUGUST 21

Shootout PWC Dam Run

This personal watercraft run offers an opportunity to explore the scenic views along the upper mile markers of Lake Ozark while raising money for Lake area charities. The run begins at 9 a.m. at Surdyke Yamaha, 5863 Old U.S. Hwy. 54 in Osage Beach (26 mile marker on the Osage Arm). 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 stamps 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 on the Shootout website; entry fees begin at $150.

AUGUST 21

"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. Rides depart from Dock #3 at Captain Ron's. Families can register for the rides by contacting Tiffany Riemann at 573-368-1177 or triemann@sbcglobal.net.

AUGUST 21

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 21

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 22

Poly-Lift Poker Run

From 10:30 a.m.-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 Captain Ron's or beginning at 8 a.m. at Backwater Jack's on the day of the run. Entry fees begin at $150 and registration forms can be found on the Shootout website. A benefit auction follows the poker run at Captain Ron's.

AUGUST 23

Shootout Racing

Opening ceremonies begin at 8:30 a.m. on Aug. 23 at Captain Ron's. Racer Village and vendor booths are open to the public from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Racing begins with personal watercraft races at 8:30 a.m. Power boat races begin at 10 a.m.

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