Your source for local news, sports, high school sports and weather in and around Jefferson City, Columbia, Fulton and the Lake of the Ozarks. All of Mid-Missouri.
Compiled by Charis Patires
They are one of the most beloved racing teams at the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout … and they come to win. American Ethanol spends all year preparing for the race with one goal in mind to go faster.
Owend by Don Onken, American Ethanol has racked up six consecutive Top Gun trophies (2015-2020). The fastest speed clocked was 217 miles per hour. He’s outnumbered by world-champion racer Dave Scott who holds the record for number of Top Gun wins at eight, five of them consecutive. Scott has since retired from racing making it possible for Don to eventually outpace him with the number of Top Guns.
Nicklas excited for opportunity as Executive Director of the Shootout
Lake Sun Leader
As the lake prepares for what could be another massive tourist season, many summer events are making their own changes to accommodate. One of the key events around the lake is the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout, which will be heading into its 33rd year in 2021. With the event coming soon and a potentially massive crowd planning to attend, the race has announced that Todd Nicklas will be leading the charge as the new Executive Director.
Nicklas says that he is thrilled to have been offered the opportunity. He says he has enjoyed the event for many years and is most excited about the chance to continue the great fundraising efforts that the Shootout provides for the lake.
Aquapalooza denied permit at Shady Gators, event moved to Captain Ron s
According to a Benne Media release, after discussions concluded with the Water Patrol, a permit to hold the event at the 7-mile marker near Shady Gators has been denied. Via the release, Denny Benne of Benne Media said, “we’ve been producing the event since 2012 without incident at other locations and felt like this site made sense as we could draw on the manpower of both Shady Gators and Camden on the Lake. It takes everyone to ensure safety and make a great event including Water Patrol, fire departments, police and ambulances and we appreciate their efforts.”
Beyond what my articulate partner Matt Trulio wrote in his story yesterday reflecting on this unforgettable year and all the negative news that was outnumbered significantly by positive, feel-good stories, all I can say is that I’m not at all surprised by the way the performance boat community made the best of a challenging situation that was felt worldwide when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted everyone’s lives.
As you can see from his top stories of the year as well as mine below, there was no shortage of incredible news. And, as Trulio stated, our beautiful 196-page Speed On The Water 2020 collector’s edition magazine that printed just this week is sure to prove it. (You can order copies of the magazine here if you haven’t already purchased it.)