I have attended each of the
Lake of the Ozarks shootout events for the past 24 years at LOTO. Indeed it has developed as the one of the largest unsanctioned boat races in the country, but the primary purpose is to raise funds that are directed to the many charitable organizations and the Lake Rescure Teams. Many people volunteer there time, over a year, to make this a success.
We were asked to do this "Drag" race at specific times of the missing man fly over ( in respect for our 2 racing friends from LOTO that passed away last November) on Saturday and Sunday. Because of the rain delay on Sunday, it was not well orchestrated with the missing man flyover.
We are sorry it did not meet your personal expectations, but I am sure you found other methods to support the fund raising activity in your community this year.
I quoted your reply just to allow me to further explain where I am coming from.
I have attended most of the Shootouts since I moved to the lake area in '97. It has definitely developed a lot over the years, I am impressed with the charitable income that is derived from the event. I built and raced what was the Fastest V hull in the shootout in '99. That was back when it was a "Race" of sorts, when there was competition in different classes. That original class structure has since been diluted with silliness such as " Non-Professional, Professional, and Manufacturers Driving classes" how ridiculous. Actually it started going south when they started to let boats with a canopy cut in line to run.
It is no longer what one would call a race. just a speed run.
My father has been a career firefighter in Illinois, and here in Sunrise Beach, he and his co-workers have benefitted from the Shootout Proceeds. He has also volunteered time to the Shootout. I have never actually volunteered at the shootout, my only donation has been my advertising in the program and my actual participation. I do not have excessive amounts of expendable income, and have to spend most of my time working to help keep my family business running and supporting my family. I would like to be able to do more, maybe someday.
The "Drag" race, although I personally thought when they started that, it was just another hold up in the action for the "racers" that were waiting out in there boats in the 100 degree heat to make a run. But I understand that when it was Bob and His son ( well known by many locals ) with a total of 6 Big Blocks screaming down the lake together it was kinda cool for spectators. I am not sure that a two boat team of SVL's "Drag Racing" each other is quite the same, or honors Bob Morgan in some way. ( not taking away from the fact that many locals are also very in tune to the Saratoga Stampede and other Janssen boats ) I too, knew Bob ( i had never actually met J.T. ) and am saddened with the fact that I have to add him to the ever growing list of fellow racers we have lost.
On Shore, when the last Drag took place on Sunday everyone wanted to know how fast they were going, some sort of number, even Bob Teague was trying to get a number announced. So the boats were ran for all too see that were on site, on the radio, and on the internet, and everyone was disappointed to not hear how fast they actually went. A drag race on pavement is always accompanied by a time and speed. Clearly you could only get one number on a radar gun with both boats coming by, but it would have been nice to announce " here come Doc Janssen's super vee light race boats, side by side at 98 mph" or something.
We are sorry it did not meet your personal expectations,.
If that statement was genuine, I respect that.
but I am sure you found other methods to support the fund raising activity in your community this year.
Hopefully that was not a wise crack statement on a personal level.