The Lake of the Ozarks Shootout will take place Saturday and Sunday between the lake's 33- and 35-mile marks.
Boating traffic in the area of the event, billed as the largest unsanctioned powerboat race in the country, will be restricted to no wake and idle speed beginning at 8 a.m. each day from the 31.5-mile mark to the 36-mile mark on the Osage Arm, according to Capt. Jason Crites, commanding officer of Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop F.
On Saturday only, the no wake and idle speed restrictions will be extended down to the 21.5-mile mark from 3-7 p.m. On Sunday, the restrictions between the 31.5- and 36-mile marks will remain in effect one hour past the last race of the day.
Crites said every attempt will be made to minimize inconvenience to boaters navigating near the race, but boaters should expect congestion in the area. Troopers, as well as event staff, will be located around the course and will assist boaters in locating the designated areas for spectator anchoring. Spectators should anticipate needing enough anchor line for water depth in excess of 100 feet.
Crites urges boaters to use heightened caution while exiting the area following the event due to heavy boat traffic, and to report impaired operators to Troop F at 573-751-1000 or by dialing *55 on a cellular phone. For updates, follow Troop F online at twitter.com/MSHPtrooperF.
More information about the race and related events is available from organizers at lakeoftheozarksshootout.com.