Lake of the Ozarks ‘Shootout Boat Race’ Scheduled for Aug. 26 and 27

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is reminding area boaters of the upcoming Lake of the Ozarks 'Shootout Boat Race' event beginning Saturday, August 26.

The boat race will take place on the main channel near the Hurricane Deck Bridge on Lake of the Ozarks. The race will be held from approximately 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., on August 26, and from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., on August 27. According to a press release from the MSHP, on Saturday, boating traffic will be restricted to no-wake, idle speed from the 31.5-mile marker to the 36-mile marker of the main channel due to the event. The no wake, idle speed restriction will begin 30 minutes prior to the event start time. The no-wake zone will be extended to approximately the 24-mile mark from 2-5:30 p.m. The MSHP says, the extended no-wake area and time for Saturday, were implemented to help facilitate a safer environment on the lake as people leave the event, and help prevent property damage associated with the large amount of boating traffic returning downstream.

On Sunday, boating traffic will be restricted to no-wake, idle speed from the 31.5-mile marker to the 36-mile marker of the main channel. The no-wake, idle speed restriction will begin 30 minutes prior to the event start time and will continue to be enforced up to one hour after the last race on Sunday.

The race course itself will stretch from approximately the 33-mile marker to the 34.7-mile marker on the southwest side of the main channel. There will be a 400-foot buffer zone between the race course and the designated spectator area. Boaters wishing to enter or exit coves that are blocked by the race course, will be allowed to do so upon the signal of Missouri State Highway Patrol marine operations troopers, or other authorized event personnel, at the earliest and safest opportunity. The Highway Patrol says every attempt will be made to minimize inconvenience to boaters navigating in the area.

Anchoring will be allowed in the designated spectator area on the northeast side of the main channel. There will be event volunteers on the water to assist spectators in locating the designated spectator area, and to assist with safely anchoring vessels. Boaters are encouraged to use caution while traveling to and from the event, since a large turnout from the boating public is expected.