Brade
Two boat racers, identified as JOHN WAYNE and CLINT EASTWOOD (aliases for Freedom One Racing), miraculously walked away unscathed after a terrifying high-speed crash during the Desert Storm Shugrue’s Shootout at Lake Havasu, Arizona, on Saturday. The incident occurred as their 10,000-horsepower boat, a 388 Skater, attempted to shatter the 206 mph speed record on the lake.
Video footage captured the white boat accelerating at an astounding pace across the lake’s surface, followed closely by an aerial camera-equipped helicopter. Just moments later, the boat’s front tilted upward, allowing the wind to lift it off the water, sending the vessel into a dramatic backflip. Shockingly, the boat remained airborne, rotating nearly 360 degrees horizontally before a corner caught the water, causing it to flip vertically once again.
Spectators on the scene erupted in disbelief at the chaotic scene. Speaking to Fox 10 Phoenix, Ray Lee of Speedboat Magazine confirmed that the racers had been aiming to break the Desert Storm Shootout record. “Their first pass of the day clocked in at 200.1 mph,” Lee explained.
Jeff Clark, a fellow racer, emphasized the critical role of boat engineering in saving the duo’s lives. “Those guys are alive because that boat was built to withstand such forces,” Clark asserted. He highlighted the importance of the boat’s design, which kept the cockpit intact despite the exterior being destroyed.
Both Lee and Clark speculated that windy conditions could have contributed to the incident while also extending the boat’s flight time. “When the vessel cuts through the wind, it stays airborne longer,” Lee noted. The racers’ ability to emerge unharmed was attributed to the meticulous construction of the boat, designed to protect its occupants during extreme scenarios.
Since 1963, Lake Havasu has recorded 11 fatal racing accidents, with the deadliest occurring in 2018. However, advancements in boat safety have dramatically improved outcomes for racers, underscoring the significance of robust engineering in high-speed watercraft.
The Desert Storm Shootout continues to draw adrenaline seekers and professionals alike, with safety measures ensuring that even the most dramatic incidents can end with minimal injuries.
**Source:** [Fox 10 Phoenix](https://www.fox10phoenix.com) | Screenshot of Crash Video Provided by Speedboat Magazine.
