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Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri - Hurtling through the water at speeds up to 185 mph, Some of the world's fastest boats will compete for the title of National Champion at the Horny Toad Offshore Super Series National Championship Power Boat Race, September 26-28 at Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks. A full array of concerts, parties and other events will ramp up the weekend at the Horny Toad Entertainment Complex in Lake Ozark, kicking off with the "Liverpool" Beatles Tribute Band on Friday night. Legendary rock band, "Shooting Star" performs live at the Amphitheatre Saturday after a spectacular fireworks show at 9:20p.m.
"Area business owners had wanted to bring a sanctioned power boat race to the Lake of the Ozarks for a long time," states race promoter Merlyn Vandervort, owner of the Horny Toad Entertainment Complex. "We presented the national championships here in 2007 and this year's race weekend will be just phenomenal."
Eight-time world champion and ten-time national champion powerboat racer Dave Scott, owner of Sunrise Beach based Nauti Marine, Inc. and captain of the Bud Light offshore Race Team, assisted his efforts. "This race is an extremely positive thing for the Lake and for Missouri," Scott states. "These are large events, especially the national championship races, so we'll see a great number of participants as well as a lot of people coming from around the state and beyond Missouri. Fans follow the teams and the sport, so local business should be busy over the weekend."
"Last year the event attracted more than 30,000-plus visitors to the Lake of the Ozarks. The Tri-County Lodging Association board of directors, through their financial commitment, is excited to be a part of such a prestigious national championship race. It results in millions of dollars of economic impact for the Lake area from the racers, teams, visitors and local residents during the shoulder season.
"These races are like NASCAR on the water," Vandervort explained. "They are comprised of cockpit-style professional boats in eight classes, racing on the lake on up to a 100-mile course. It's extremely exciting, and the water can get pretty rough." The course itself is approximately six miles, between the six and nine mile markers. Racers will run up to 16 laps depending on the boat class. "Getting ready for this race has really been a good community effort," Vandervort said. "We've gotten help and support from a lot of great people." Scott reiterated the dedication Vandervort, his team and the community has to making this a successful event. "Merlyn and his crew have done a tremendous job preparing for the race,"Scott said. "Their coordination with area fire rescue crews and so many other who are involved will make this a good, safe event. We are excited to be able to participate in this race on our home lake, and we'll be very competitive. We intend to put on a good show."
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