“Happy Birthday, America! July of 2025 Shootout Newsletter,”

Lake of the Ozarks Shootout
Jul 17
4 min read

By Christy Wagner, Editor

Two hundred forty-nine years ago, or nearly a semi-quincentennial ago, the United States of America was born. It was an era of rebellion, if you asked our friends over in England, but a time of brazen determination and grit if you asked the first citizens who called the midsection of North America home. Since 1776 and our thirteen original states, our country has expanded immensely to encompass a total of 50 states, both continental and otherwise, and we have yet to abandon the foundation upon which the U.S.A. was built. These same principles ring true here in the great Show-Me State—proudly number 24 on the country’s union roster—and home to the 37th Annual Lippert Lake of the Ozarks Shootout Lieutenant Governor’s Cup.

Here at the ever-beautiful Lake of the Ozarks in sunny Central Missouri, we are both wild and free. Good luck telling any of us that this August won’t be one for the record books.

MoTeC’s new MCM112 ECU Kit is a complete replacement for the factory ECU on numerous Mercury engines, such as the 450/500R and naturally aspirated V8 and V6 models*.

With the highly anticipated XINSURANCE Offshore event wrapped up last month (one of only two race regatta permits operating under the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout’s federal nonprofit organization), it’s now full steam ahead for the 37th annual unsanctioned race, set for the third week of August. With just a handful of weeks left, we’re all hands on deck to ensure that this year’s landmark move to Dog Days Bar & Grill goes off without a hitch. The races themselves will unfold just across the Grand Glaize Bridge’s crossing, along the picturesque shores of Lake of the Ozarks State Park.

Big Bank Solutions, Small Town Attention

As always, the Shootout’s behind-the-scenes team is working hand in hand with local and state safety officials to make sure that this August’s races are both safe and unforgettable for everyone. But as you know, the Shootout is about far more than just our biggest weekend of the year. There’s plenty more ahead, including the beloved Float Your Boat cardboard boat races and the 16th Annual Mini Shootout Presented by Van Subaru.

Join the "Float Your Boat" event, where ingenuity takes sail and competition heats up on the water. Registration starts at 1 p.m., so bring your best ideas and teamwork for an unforgettable day!

The Shootout’s Float Your Boat event is a fan-favorite way to put your craftsmanship skills to the ultimate test at Frankie & Louie’s Beachfront Bar & Grill in beautiful Sunrise Beach, Missouri. The fun kicks off Saturday, August 2nd, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., when creativity meets competition on the water.

Come one, come all and gather your crew, build your masterpiece, and try not to sink! The rules are simple: Build a vessel entirely out of cardboard (yes, really) that can support at least one person over a 150-yard racecourse for two rounds. No wood, metal, plastic, foam, or fiberglass is allowed. Wax-coated or pre-treated cardboard is also prohibited. Only raw, bare, brown, fibrous cardboard is permitted. Various tapes, adhesives, and accessories like duct tape, masking tape, and waterproof glue are allowed. Pro tip: old appliance boxes are perfect and may be readily available at local appliance stores! Latex house paint works great for decoration and sealing (oil-based sealants are not permitted as they can leave oil residue in the water). Cardboard tubes (like wrapping paper tubes) are fair game, too. Friendly reminder that everyone aboard your ‘boat’ must wear a personal flotation device.

To register online, please visit: https://www.lakeoftheozarksshootout.com/float-your-boat

Get ready for the Lake of the Ozarks Mini Shootout on August 16th and 17th, 2025—an exhilarating, family-friendly prelude to the weekend's main event, welcoming participants of all ages to enjoy the thrilling watersport action. Presented by Van Subaru.

Captured by Studio T Image | A participant showcases their creative boat entry, making waves with a playful and stylish performance on the water.

As for the 16th Annual Mini Shootout Presented by Van Subaru, don’t let size fool you. These remote-controlled (RC) boats are small but mighty. Over the past fifteen years, the Mini Shootout has grown in both participants and fundraising power, raising a gross total of more than $19,000 for the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout’s 47 Lake-area charities and first responders last year alone. This event is more than just a showdown between grown men with 200+ mph full-size vessels at the regular Shootout’s races; children and adults of all ages are welcome to join this family-friendly tradition and fun preceding the actual Shootout over the weekend of August 16^th and 17^th, 2025.

(Pro tip for newbies: self-righting RC boats are lifesavers if you happen to flip!)

In case you missed it, we recently featured an amazing spotlight on the dedicated group of volunteers behind the Lake of the Ozarks Mini Shootout. Don’t worry if you haven’t grabbed your copy of the 2025 LOTO Race Guide yet (a compilation of the former Official Shootout Program Guide and LOTO Powerfest/Offshore Guide) which made its annual debut last month. Our incredible volunteers with the Community Foundation of the Lake’s Magic Dragon Trails System are working hard to keep the stands stocked all summer long, and our incredible community is keeping them busy.

To pick up your free copy, please visit any of these locations: Camden on the Lake/H. Toad’s, Shady Gators, Woods East, Redhead’s, Frankie & Louie’s, Tucker’s Shuckers, Hy-Vee, Encore, Summer U.S.A., Dog Days, Dierbergs, Premier Advantage, Poly Lift Boat Lifts, Stewarts (Bagnell Dam Strip), Stewards (Camdenton), The Wash Shop + Oil Changers (Osage Beach, formerly Kwik Kar), Big Thunder Marine (Bagnell Dam Blvd.), The Littlest Chocolatier, Rusty Rooster, Kelly’s Port, Formula, and Marty’s Marine. Once the second batch of magazines goes off to print next week, watch for additional stands at Shorty Pants, Wobbly Boots, Willmore Lodge, and Big Thunder Marine (Marina).

To register online, please visit: https://www.lakeoftheozarksshootout.com/mini-shootout

Here’s to celebrating America’s birthday all month long: wild, free, and ready to race!