Once again, I’m sitting on my computer at my home office contemplating the decision I made not to attend another outstanding event. Last time around it was the Tickfaw 200 Poker Run in Louisiana four weeks ago. And this—the upcoming barrage of Lake Race activities starting tomorrow on Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks that has me wishing I was on hand with Pete Boden, speedonthewater.com’s chief photographer, and many of the racers in town—probably won’t be the last time I feel that way this summer.
The Wake Effects MTI is expected to be one of the fastest boats in Saturday’s Lake Race. Photo by Pete Boden/Shoot 2 Thrill Pix
Just to make myself feel worse for not traveling to Missouri for the sixth annual Lake Race sanctioned by Offshore Powerboat Association, let’s take a look at some of the reasons why the happening has become one of the premier events on most race team’s calendars.
The event kicks off tomorrow with the Festival of Speed hosted by the race’s title sponsor—Big Thunder Marine—at its all-new facility on Bagnell Dam Boulevard. According to Jeremy Anderson, Big Thunder Marine’s general manager, the gathering will include the unveiling of the all-new outboard-powered Donzi Marine 41 GT, along with a few new models from Fountain Powerboats—a 39 NX center console, a 34 LS center console and a 32 Cat—and the Washington, N.C., company’s V-bottom built to challenge the kilo record. The iconic Reggie Fountain should be on hand as well.
and then