New Shootout Coming to Oklahoma’s Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees

With enthusiastic Grove, Okla., residents Ken and Linda Little of Marine Tec, Inc. leading the charge, the Grand River Dam Authority and the City of Grove recently approved a new event on the state’s popular Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees (GLOC).

Popular Shootout participant Kenny Mungle is expected to run Gone Again, his 32-foot Skater Powerboats catamaran, at the inaugural GLOC Performance Boat Challenge Shootout in July. Photo by Jimmy Biro

Launching from Grove’s Wolf Creek Park, the inaugural GLOC Performance Boat Challenge Shootout is scheduled to take place July 10-11. Events include a family-oriented VIP night on Friday at the Grove Civic Center where teams will be able to show off and discuss their boats with spectators, and children will be encouraged to collect autographs on the event programs.

On Saturday, an escorted parade will lead boats from the Civic Center to Wolf Creek Park prior to the radar runs, which will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. An awards ceremony with food, drinks and live entertainment is going to be held Saturday evening at the Civic Center—and the public is invited to attend and support their favorite teams.

“This ‘air show on water’ is going to be a huge event for Grand Lake!” exclaimed Grove Mayor Marty Follis.

Follis is one of several executive committee members who have been meeting for the last several months to prepare for the event. Other members of the committee include Jon and Angela Good of Good Watercraft, Grove residents Joe Petrusa and Mark and Cindy Rosellini, Shaun Little of Miami and Brock Sutherland of Parsons, Kan.

According to Linda Little, several world-class racing teams capable of speeds approaching 150 to 200 mph have expressed interest in participating in the radar run challenge. Boats between 24 feet and 50 feet are eligible to compete and awards for the fastest speeds will include trophies, certificates, weekend stays at Grand Lake and more. Little said sponsorship opportunities are available and that all of the money remaining after expenses will be distributed to local charities.

“With the event, we hope to introduce out-of-town drivers and spectators alike the love we all share for Grand Lake,” Little said. “We hope they become lifetime Grand Lakers! The entire Grand Lake area has so much to offer from upscale hospitality to friendly locally owned businesses. Ken and I, along with the entire executive committee, are proud of Grand Lake and are busting at the seams with excitement awaiting the arrival of our guests in July.”

For more information you can email glocevent2@gmail.com or keep an eye out for an upcoming Facebook page with complete details.