LAKE HAVASU, Ariz. - The 2025 Desert Storm Shootout took a dramatic turn on April 26 when the Freedom One racing boat flipped mid-race while attempting to break a speed record. This astonishing incident unfolded just around noon, sending spectators into a frenzy as the high-powered vessel soared through the air before crashing back into Lake Havasu.
According to reports, the Freedom One boat, a 388 Skater equipped with an estimated 10,000 horsepower, was aiming to shatter the speed record of 206 mph. During their first pass of the day, the boat reached a blistering speed of 200.1 mph before disaster struck. Ray Lee from Speedboat Magazine commented on the team's intentions, stating, "They came to Lake Havasu earlier in the week intending to break the record here for the desert storm shootout."
The crash, while shocking, fortunately resulted in only minor injuries for the two occupants, who were identified as John Wayne and Clint Eastwood—aliases used to protect their true identities. Both men hail from Kansas City, Missouri, and were determined to reclaim the speed record for Lake Havasu.
Witnesses described the scene as both terrifying and exhilarating. Jeff Clark, a fellow competitor in the shootout, expressed his disbelief as he watched the boat flip. "My heart dropped when I saw that boat get airborne. It's never something you want to look at when you're out having fun as a driver for sure," he said. Clark, who has spent years in the boating community, noted the dangers of high-speed racing, emphasizing that at such velocities, a driver’s reaction time is severely compromised.
Windy conditions on the lake were cited as a potential factor in the accident. Lee explained that the wind might have inadvertently helped keep the boat airborne longer than it would have otherwise. "Best case scenario, because of the wind, when the boat cut it, it held it up there longer than (if there) had there not been such substantial wind," he said. The sight of the boat soaring through the air was chilling for all involved, but the quick response from emergency crews ensured that both racers were safely evacuated and treated on-site.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with high-speed boating. Lake Havasu has seen its share of tragic accidents over the years, including a notorious incident in 2018, where two local men, Brad Kloepfer, 57, and Paul Selberg, 69, lost their lives when their boat, Lickity Split, flipped at speeds exceeding 150 mph during the Desert Storm Poker Run. Clark reflected on the importance of safety in the sport, stating, "Those guys are alive for one reason and one reason only. That boat was built not to come apart. So when they were sitting in that cockpit... it's totally destroyed but the cockpit is in perfect condition."
As the dust settles from the dramatic crash, the boating community is left in awe of the resilience and engineering that allowed the Freedom One racers to walk away with minor injuries. The safety features of modern speedboats, including air systems and access hatches, played a crucial role in protecting the occupants during the crash. Clark praised the craftsmanship of the boat, saying, "I tip my hat to Skater and the crew that built that boat because it saved that guy's life, it saved both of their lives, there's no doubt about it."
The Desert Storm Shootout is an annual event that attracts hundreds of boaters and thousands of spectators, showcasing high-powered watercraft racing across the picturesque Lake Havasu. Despite the harrowing incident, the event continues to draw attention and excitement, with racers eager to push the limits of speed and performance.
As the weekend unfolds, the Freedom One team remains determined to make another attempt at breaking the speed record, undeterred by the recent crash. The spirit of competition runs deep in the hearts of these racers, and with the support of their fellow competitors and the local community, they aim to reclaim the title and bring the record back to Lake Havasu.
For now, all eyes remain on the lake, where the thrill of speed meets the perils of racing, reminding everyone of the delicate balance between ambition and safety in the world of high-speed boating.
