Lake Of The Ozarks Shootout Acquires LOTO Powerfest/Lake Race – Speed on the Water
In a move that’s been in talks since the end of the summer, the board of directors behind the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout in Central Missouri announced in a press release on Tuesday evening that the “LOTO Powerfest/Lake Race will henceforth operate under the authority of the Shootout Board of Directors, along with the direct support of the Shootout’s many devoted volunteers.”
The Lake Race—more recently known as LOTO Powerfest—at Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks is becoming part of the historic Lake of the Ozarks Shootout. Photo by Jeff Helmkamp/Helmkamp Photos
Although no one from the Shootout board was quoted, according to the release, it is the collective hope of everyone in support of this positive transition to expand and amplify this premier, high-stakes performance boating event while growing it into a profitable, charitable boat race, with proceeds adding to that of the annual Shootout’s each year.
“This new transition of Lake Race/LOTO Powerfest to the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout is an exciting announcement for us all,” said Lake Race president Tom Abbett in the release. “We are excited for the Shootout to provide leadership and guidance on the eve of the 11th edition of Lake Race. The incredible possibilities and future growth of this event will allow for an immense impact on the powerboating community and numerous deserving local charities involved. This event just elevated onto the national stage of ‘must attend’ events for racers and spectators alike.”
Whether the longstanding race does in fact become a must-attend event is uncertain, but what’s known locally as the “season opener” at the lake should have some positive momentum behind it thanks to the Shootout organizers as it prepares to host offshore racers from across the country the weekend after Memorial Day (May 30-June 1).
The rest of the release included little information on the cohesion between the events beyond the fundraising side and a combined printed program.
“The Lake of the Ozarks Shootout Guide will evolve into a singular summer racing guide as it combines with the former Lake Race Guide,” the release stated. “The tentative release date for 10,000 printed copies of the 36th Annual Shootout/LakeRace/Summer Racing Guide is scheduled for Memorial Day Weekend in May of 2024, where copies will be dispersed across the Lake Area and beyond throughout summer, and in advance of next year’s peak season runs and races. Stay tuned for pertinent e-newsletters and articles throughout 2024 as the Shootout’s digital footprint continues to grow.
“As a strong and pivotal reminder, fundraising for the Shootout, and now Lake Race, will annually support all of the Shootout’s recipients, including a vast array of tri-county charities, fire protection districts and law enforcement agencies,” the release continued. “The Shootout and its multitude of yearly events aim to capitalize on visitors frequenting the Lake of the Ozarks ahead of Memorial Day Weekend while giving them even more reasons to come back for community events throughout the year, such as our many poker/fun runs, sanctioned and unsanctioned boat races, golf and fishing tournaments, trap shoots, treasure hunts, popup Christmas tree lots, an endless number of fundraisers, and so much more. The Lake of the Ozarks is truly a lake for all.”
For anyone interested in getting involved in the 2024 events, contact Leah Martin, the executive director of the Shootout who also recently took on the role as executive director of the Lake of the Ozarks Marine Dealers Association.
Related stories
Lake Of The Ozarks Shootout Announces Record-Breaking $675,000 In Donations
Coverage Of The 2023 Lake Of The Ozarks Shootout
.
