Jeff Stevenson of Winneconne Wisconsin, aboard his 50’ Mystic cat powered by twin T53 Turbine engines, wowed the crowd with a spectacular 175 mph run that was just enough to de-throne last year’s King of the Desert, Greg Olsen, who also competed in his 33 Eliminator Daytona but unfortunately experienced some audible engine trouble during his run. 

 Second place went to Chip Romer of Lake Havasu City who hit 165 mph in his 38’ Douglas Marine Skater.

 This year, with 50 vessels vying for bragging rights, the hands down, most popular event of Desert Storm was a huge success.  The hundreds of spectators who lined the course to watch Saturday’s Shootout, a straight two-mile timed trial from Thompson Bay to Copper Canyon, were not disappointed by the dazzling array of muscle machines that took the course by storm.

In the five years since its inception, Desert Storm has evolved from a West Coast Performance Boat affair to a five-day boating extravaganza that attracts some of the most spectacular go-fast machines from across the country.  Super boats from legendary builders like Cigarette, Skater, Outerlimits, Fountain, DCB, Eliminator, Donzi, Nordic and MTI dominated the line-up.  With names like “Hit Man”, “Terminator”, “Dr. Evil” and “Katastrophic”, there is never a doubt these racers will put on quite a show.  This year an amazing 25 Skaters and 13 MTIs registered for the event. 

Visit the SCPBC Photo Gallery to check out pics of Thursday's Street Party, where 76 boats over 36' long lined the streets.  Shootout pics will be posted soon.

Congratulations to Greg Olsen, crowned 2009 King of the Desert with his amazing 174 mph run.