Launched in 1988, this unsanctioned top-speed event encompasses a shootout, a poker run, a car show, and various other activities on the sprawling Lake of the Ozarks. In past years, more than 100,000 spectators have gathered to watch the largest boat race in the Midwest, with a class for just about anything that floats, including personal watercraft and pontoons. Look for the 50-foot Mystic Powerboats catamaran American Ethanol now packing 2,000 horsepower under the hatches, to be the “Top Gun” favorite as it defends its title earned last year with a 218 mph blast down the course. This year that course has been shortened from a mile to three-quarters of a mile, which should significantly reduce the top-speed potential of the biggest boats. lakeoftheozarksshootout.com
