For Immediate Release         Media Contact:  Steve Kappler or Marjorie Beenders
August 12, 2008                                            Phone: 573-636-8282 « Email: info@tbwgroup.net

New Name, New Site, New Top Gun for Annual
Shootout at Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks

 Lake of the Ozarks, Mo. –The Lake of the Ozarks Shootout is the new name for the annual event formerly known as the Lake Rescue Shoot-Out.  Set for Aug. 20-24, the Shootout also has a new location for 2008 – Captain Ron’s Bar & Grill in Sunrise Beach.  The popular event will raise funds for Lake Area Rescue Teams, Habitat for Humanity, the American Red Cross and other charitable organizations.

The largest unsanctioned boat race in the nation, named by Powerboat Magazine as one of the nation’s eight “must-see” boating events, also will offer someone the opportunity to win the coveted Top Gun title since the reigning champs, Callan Marine, will not be returning.  Last year their boat hit speeds of 209 mph.

“Callan sold the boat to Geico Insurance and had already committed to a race in New York, so this year we will have a new Top Gun for sure,” says Ron Duggan, owner of event host Captain Ron’s.  The race will run from the 32.5 to the 34.5 mile marker, just below the Hurricane Deck Bridge.  Duggan says after the previous location, Shooters 21, was demolished for new construction, he offered his west-side establishment, which opened in 2006, “because we had a great location and I felt our course was very similar to the one used in the past.”

Duggan says organizers expect more than 100 racers, as in previous years.  “But in terms of vendor booths, the boat show and the Racers Village, we are looking at a much bigger event than ever before,” he says.  “That’s good news for the Lake’s west side because it will give businesses a chance to showcase what they have to offer, and it’s bound to have a huge impact.”

Sunrise Beach Fire Chief John Suellentrop, who’s been involved with the Shootout for 18 years, agrees.  “Having the race on the west side will be an enhancement to the local economy and certainly bring more people over here,” he says.  “The Shootout always is a fantastic event because there are not many races where the spectators can go right on the docks and see the boats and talk to the drivers and crews.  I always hear there are more exotic boats here at our race than at the Miami Boat Show, and that may be true.”

Chief Suellentrop notes, besides widening the safety lanes, the Shootout will be the same as it always has been.  Boats measuring at least 22 feet in length will be eligible to participate.  Competitions will be held in more than 50 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 races against the clock, not other participants.

Shootout competitions will run from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.  Winners will be announced shortly after 5:00 p.m. Sunday.  All competitors must register and pay the $50-per-run entry fee online or at the on-site registration booth.

In conjunction with the Shootout, the fourth annual Lake Ozark Shootout Poker Run will be held Friday, Aug. 22.  “Players” can register at the host location, Coconuts Caribbean Beach Bar & Grill, starting at 5:00 p.m. Thursday.  On Friday, the “fleet” will gather there at 11:15 a.m. for the three-staged start, then proceed to build a winning Five Card Stud poker hand with cards they will pick up at the Halfway Inn, Captain Ron’s, Captain’s Galley, Dog Days, Franky and Louie’s and the Horny Toad.  The $125 per-hand entry fee (on or before Aug. 15; $150 afterward) also will include an awards dinner and party at Coconuts.

In addition to the races and Poker Run, there’s always a complete roster of fun events connected with the Shootout.  The popular 130-mile “Dam Run” will take place on Thursday, Aug. 21, departing from Surdyke Yamaha Marina.  On Saturday, Aug. 23, the thrilling PWC race will take place from 10:00-11:30 a.m., and boat owners can win prizes and bragging rights based on their boat’s sound system at the Stereo Shootout, 6:00 p.m. at Coconut’s Caribbean Bar & Grill.  Weather permitting, the AT&T hot air balloon will take guests for rides.  The Boat Products Show and Racer Village will be open at Captain Ron’s from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.  And a free live concert will be presented at Captain Ron’s Thursday through Saturday evenings.  Proceeds from all of these activities also will benefit Lake-area fire and rescue efforts and charities.

Sponsors of the 2008 Lake of the Ozarks Shootout include Budweiser, 180 Energy Drink, N Zone Sportswear, 107.9 The Coyote, AT&T The Real Yellow Pages, West Side Star, Central Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks Tri-County Lodging Association, Pepsi, Diet Pepsi and Mountain Dew, Powerboat Magazine, Poly Lift Boat Lifts, Charter Media, KRMS AM 1150, Rough Water Dock, Inc., Captain Ron’s Bar & Grill, and 93.5 Mike FM.

“We are really thrilled and honored to be chosen to host the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout at Captain Ron’s,” Duggan says.  “We invite everyone to come spend an enjoyable weekend on the Lake’s west side and throughout the Lake area.  We will put on a good show for everybody!”

For more information, call 573-348-1221 or visit the event’s web site at 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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