Keith Lusher 05.06.25
In a heart-stopping moment during Lake Havasu’s annual Desert Storm Shootout on April 26, spectators witnessed a 10,000-horsepower speedboat launch dramatically into the air before completing a full backflip and crashing back into the water.
The Freedom One Racing team from Kansas City was attempting to break the lake’s speed record of 206 mph when their custom Skater catamaran suddenly caught air while traveling at approximately 200 mph. Video footage captured the terrifying sequence as the vessel became fully airborne for several seconds, completing multiple rotations before slamming back into Lake Havasu’s surface.
Remarkably, both team members walked away from the crash with only minor injuries. The team has requested anonymity for the drivers, who reportedly go by the pseudonyms John Wayne and Clint Eastwood.
“At that speed, it doesn’t take much,” explained Jeff Clark, a fellow competitor at the event. “Those tunnel boats are built to pack air so they ride on top of the water. If you pack too much air and the nose gets too high, it’ll take you airborne.”
Safety experts credit the boat’s advanced construction with saving the racers’ lives. The cockpit remained intact despite the violent impact, demonstrating the effectiveness of modern racing boat safety features.
The Desert Storm Shootout draws hundreds of participants and thousands of spectators to Lake Havasu annually. Despite the dangerous crash, the Freedom One Racing team reportedly plans to continue competing, with their sights set on the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout in August.
Check out the video here
This incident serves as a dramatic reminder of both the thrills and dangers inherent in high-performance boat racing, where vessels routinely reach speeds exceeding 200 mph while skimming across the water’s surface.
Water Safety Reminder
While professional racers operate under controlled conditions with specialized safety equipment, this dramatic crash underscores an important reminder for recreational boaters: excessive speed on water can be just as deadly as on highways, perhaps even more so due to the unpredictable nature of water surfaces.
Boating Safety PSAs:
- Know Your Limits: Unlike roads, waterways have no posted speed limits. Exercise good judgment and maintain speeds appropriate for conditions.
- Weather Awareness: Wind can dramatically affect boat handling. Always check forecasts before heading out and be prepared to reduce speed in gusty conditions.
- Safety Equipment Saves Lives: Always wear appropriate life jackets and ensure your vessel has all required safety equipment on board.
- Impairment Kills: Never operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Boating while impaired is illegal and deadly.
- Take a Course: Boater education courses teach critical safety skills and emergency procedures that could save your life on the water.
Remember, professional racers spend years training and use specialized equipment designed for extreme speeds. For everyday boaters, safety should always take priority over speed.
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