In 2022 “The Shootout” was a weeklong affair with all sorts of activities, both on the water and off. For example, there is a clay pigeon shootout, a golf tournament, there are poker runs, a remote-controlled mini-shootout, and silent auctions for charity. During the week, the race drivers give “Make a Wish” kids rides as part of that charity outreach. Since 2008, $3 million is said to have been raised for 40 local charities, including eight local fire departments.

Shootout categories: Race divisions are sliced and diced so there is a “level playing field” for nearly every type of boat and operator. For example, among catamarans there is: Top Cat (Fastest Cat manufacturer); Top Cat (Fastest Cat Professional; Top Cat (Fastest Cat non-professional). Then, the same routine for other categories of boat, like V bottoms, PWCs, pontoon boats (Top Toon), etc. are organized, along with categories by size, six of them, starting a 22’ and going to 50’ and over.

There are also classifications for types of engine, stock, modified, and highly modified, turbines, and “700 Merc Only.” There are also three categories for outboard engines, one for 2-stroke, one for 4-stroke under 375, and one for 4-stroke over 400. There is even a category for diesel engines, and we assume that is for inboard engines, as evidently diesel outboard makers in Sweden and England, have yet to hear about the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout.

The “Shootout” race is really against the clock, as there is no boat-to-boat racing.

“Top Gun” – is the fastest boat overall, with its speed recoded at the end of a ¾-mile course — no matter what it is, how it’s powered, or who drives it.