VIDEO: Lake Of The Ozarks-Based Powerboat Team Flips During Michigan Race

ST. CLAIR, Mich. — A powerboat racing team well-known to Lake of the Ozarks boat racing fans crashed at a race in St. Clair, last weekend.

Team Allen Lawn Care, with Billy Allen at the throttles and Cody McDowell steering, crashed on the first lap of the St. Clair, Mi. Riverfest race. The 32-foot Doug Wright catamaran flipped upside down on the third turn of the race course, and an aerial rescue crew arrived in moments to help pull both men from the cockpit. Both Allen and McDowell are okay, and the team announced that—incredibly—the boat was not damaged by the roll. They plan to race in the Great Lakes Grand Prix, in Michigan City, Ind., this weekend.

The team's cockpit camera caught the harrowing moments inside the cockpit as the boat flipped, and as both men were rescued.

The race is named the St. Clair Classic, and is sanctioned by the Offshore Powerboating Association (OPA). The OPA sanctions Lake Race, held earlier this year at Lake of the Ozarks, as well as eight other races (including St. Clair), plus a National Championship in October and a World Championship in November. Lake of the Ozarks is Team Allen Lawn Care’s home water.

The team posted the following on their Facebook page:

Update, Bill & Cody are both 100% Safe & Fine. Rolled the boat over on the down current side of the river in turn 3. Thanks to our incredible crew, and the helping hands of some Great Race Friends we are in good shape with the boat. On the road to Michigan City, Indiana tomorrow morning with full intentions of running next Sundays big race.

Stay tuned for updates, hope to see all our friends & fans next weekend, with a better outcome

A special shout-out is WELL NEEDED, to this crew. Not only for a safe and successful rescue of our accident Saturday, but also a succesful flip over and recovery of our boat. From our Team to yours, THANK YOU

Bill Allen added in the comments praising the rescue team:

What a blessing to hear the voice, and the see the face of a diver when the hatch opens, that’s why they call you guys angels! I would like to give a special thanks for returning the boat in great condition without damage. Hats of to you and your crew, you all are top notch. Thank you! BIlly Allen

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