By: Jeffrey Dorhauer

From racers to vendors, volunteers, first responders, and everyone in between, "Why the Shootout?"

This question was recently posed to Brett Manire, Co-Owner of Performance Boat Center, and Title Sponsor of the 34th Annual Lake of the Ozarks Shootout. Why has Performance Boat Center been the Shootout's Title Sponsor for nine consecutive years while donating a combined $450,000.00 to this incredible event?

The answer, for Brett, was amazingly simple.

"The Shootout has a long reputation of drawing power boaters from around the world to compete in this one-of-a-kind event," Brett explained. "This kind of exposure is positive not only for Performance Boat Center, but also for the Lake of the Ozarks, and all of our local businesses and nonprofits."

Manire went on to say that "The amount of money raised and donated to local charities, including the Make-a-Wish Foundation, is something that we at Performance Boat Center are very proud of, and we want to continue to be a part of that."

As an event which began in 1988 as a 'run-what-ya-brung-style' boat race whose profits funded local charities and first responders here at the Lake of the Ozarks, the Annual Shootout has stayed true to its roots. While several events around the country have tried to emulate the Shootout, none have had the success or longevity to match or surpass what the Shootout has achieved to do.

Over the past 33 years, the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout has changed hands between three different organizers: Shooters 21, the Lake Area fire departments, and Captain Ron's; however, it has always inherently felt as if it was owned by the Lake of the Ozarks community itself - and it's because it has been. Between our local racers, vendors, volunteers, first responders, and everyone in between, the Shootout is what the Lake Area is all about. We are giving, we are wild, and we are free.

So, if you have also found yourself wondering, "Why the Shootout," we would invite you to join us at the 34th Annual Shootout as a volunteer, a participant, a sponsor, or a spectator. We want you to truly see what this event and our community is all about.

Drivers, take your mark. We will see you at this year's races!