Höre Powerboat Talk

In this episode, we’re talking with the team behind Freedom One Racing [https://www.instagram.com/freedomone_racing/], a new name making waves at this year’s Lake of the Ozarks Shootout [https://www.lakeoftheozarksshootout.com/]. The Shootout’s loose rules invite wild setups, and Freedom One didn’t disappoint, bringing a brand-new 388 Skater [https://skaterpowerboats.com/] powered by twin 4,000-hp 4.9-inch bore, all-aluminum Noonan [https://noonanrace.com/] Hemi Pro Mod drag racing engines.  The boat’s engines are a marvel of engineering much of which is familiar to the 1/4 mile crowd, but unconventional to general marine performance guys. Topped by PSI screw blowers [https://www.psisuperchargers.com/], the engines feature dry blocks (no water jackets) and require no cooling system. They employ MoTeC [https://www.motecusa.com/] engine management systems and route the power to the surface drives through Coan [http://www.coanracing.com/] Turbo 400-style three-speed transmissions.  The Freedom One boat was purpose-built for shootout style events like LOTO and came together just days before hitting the water. While some mechanical hiccups kept them from a full-speed pass, they still managed to hit 170 mph officially (202 mph unofficially). Not bad for their first outing!   We hear from team members Noah and Ryan Ola and Ryan Greco, as they discuss how this project came together, their big plans to break the LOTO top speed record, and why Freedom One is more than just a racing team—it’s a philanthropic effort with a mission to give back. Update: Since this episode was recorded, Freedom One Racing suffered a serious crash at the Desert Storm Shootout April 26, 2025 when the boat flipped at over 200 mph. This was the boat's first pass of the weekend and it's first run since the team's debut at the Lake of the Ozark's Shootout. While the boat was heavily damaged, the still unidentified driver and throttleman escaped with only minor injuries. As of now, we have not received an official update from the team regarding their future plans. This episode is brought to you by: SoCal Jet Boats [https://socaljetboats.com/] the #1 online performance boating community forum, manufacturers of the coolest River Attire [https://store.socaljetboats.com/?utm_source=top_menu&utm_medium=apparel&utm_id=homepage], hosts of the the Summer Tour with 6+ events along the Colorado River, and owners of The SoCal Jet Boat SpeedShop [https://parts.socaljetboats.com/]. Visit SoCal Jet Boats at www.socaljetboats.com [https://www.socaljetboats.com/] on Instagram at @SoCalJetBoats [http://www.instagram.com/socaljetboats] and Facebook @SoCal Jet Boats [http://www.facebook.com/socaljetboats] Contact SoCal Jet Boats (702) 970-7252 orders@socaljetboats.com [orders@socaljetboats.com] Follow Freedom One Racing on Instagram @freedomon_racing [https://www.instagram.com/freedomone_racing/] and on Facebook @Freedom One Racing [https://www.facebook.com/people/Freedom-One-Racing/61564047407361/?_rdr] Learn more about the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout at www.lakeoftheozarksshootout.com [https://www.lakeoftheozarksshootout.com/] Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com [https://www.powerboattalk.com/]  View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk [https://www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk]  Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk [https://www.instagram.com/powerboattalk/] and Facebook @Powerboat Talk [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091246566667]  Contact me: powerboattalk@gmail.com [powerboattalk@gmail.com]

Slug Hefner’s Dirty Duck Racing [https://dirtyduckracing.com/] team made history at the 2024 Lake of the Ozarks Shootout (LOTO) [https://www.lakeoftheozarksshootout.com/], breaking the 200 mph barrier for the first time. After falling just short of the milestone in 2023, Hefner’s 438 Skater [https://skaterpowerboats.com/]—powered by twin-turbocharged 557-cubic-inch engines—received a performance boost from a custom nitrous system designed by engine builder Carson Brummett [https://brummettengines.com/]. This upgrade propelled the boat to 202 mph, setting a new record as the fastest Skater and twin-engine boat in LOTO history. In this episode, Hefner shares the story behind his iconic Skater and the origins of the Dirty Duck name. He also reflects on his journey through the world of boat racing, from circle boats and drag boats to offshore racing. Hefner is more than just a record-setting racer—he’s a well-respected business leader and dedicated philanthropist. As the owner of Hefner Furniture & Appliance [https://www.hefnerfurniture.com/] in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, Slug’s commitment to excellence extends beyond the water, shaping both his business and his community with the same passion he brings to powerboat racing.  This episode is brought to you by: SoCal Jet Boats [https://socaljetboats.com/] the #1 online performance boating community forum, manufacturers of the coolest River Attire [https://store.socaljetboats.com/?utm_source=top_menu&utm_medium=apparel&utm_id=homepage], hosts of the the Summer Tour with 6+ events along the Colorado River, and owners of The SoCal Jet Boat SpeedShop [https://parts.socaljetboats.com/]. Visit SoCal Jet Boats at www.socaljetboats.com [https://www.socaljetboats.com/] on Instagram at @SoCalJetBoats [http://www.instagram.com/socaljetboats] and Facebook @SoCal Jet Boats [http://www.facebook.com/socaljetboats] Contact SoCal Jet Boats (702) 970-7252 orders@socaljetboats.com [orders@socaljetboats.com] Visit Slug Hefner and Dirty Duck Racing online at https://dirtyduckracing.com/ [https://dirtyduckracing.com/] Follow Dirty Duck Racing on Facebook @Dirty Duck Racing [https://www.facebook.com/dirtyduck711/] Learn more about the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout at www.lakeoftheozarksshootout.com [https://www.lakeoftheozarksshootout.com/] Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com [https://www.powerboattalk.com/]  View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk [https://www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk]  Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk [https://www.instagram.com/powerboattalk/] and Facebook @Powerboat Talk [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091246566667]  Contact me: powerboattalk@gmail.com [powerboattalk@gmail.com]

Billy Moore stands as one of the most successful offshore powerboat racers competing today. Following in the footsteps of his father, Bobby Moore [https://www.speedonthewater.com/offshore-racing-all-time-great-moore-dead-at-age-80/]—widely considered the first throttle man in offshore racing—Billy “works the sticks” in both Class 1 [https://class1world.com/] and Super Cat. I spoke with Moore recently, just as his Defalco Racing [https://www.instagram.com/defalco_racing/?hl=en] Class 1 team celebrated back-to-back wins at Mercury Racing’s Midwest Challenge [https://www.mercuryracing.com/midwestchallenge.html] in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. In addition to racing for Defalco, Moore throttles the C.J. Grant Racing/Graydel [https://www.cjgrantracing.com/] Skater [https://skaterpowerboats.com/] in the Super Cat class. Not only did Moore gain invaluable racing insight from his legendary father, but he also learned the finer points of boat rigging and race boat setup, beginning his tenure at his father’s shop at 15. In this episode,Moore shares how the Defalco team made the strategic choice to switch from an Outer Limits [https://outerlimitspowerboats.info/] hull to a Victory in the offseason and the challenges and rewards that followed. Based near Moore’s home in Washington, North Carolina, the Defalco team benefits from his close involvement. Moore is also a key figure at Checkmate Powerboats [https://checkmatepowerboats.net/], which is owned by Pete Caldwell of Caldwell Marine Designs [https://www.caldwellmarinedesigns.com/]. He shares updates on Checkmate’s current direction and exciting future plans, including a possible trip out west to compete in the Parker Enduro [https://www.facebook.com/parkerenduro/]. Follow Billy Moore on Instagram @billymoore_313 [https://www.instagram.com/billymoore_313?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==] and Facebook @William Moore (Billy Moore) [https://www.facebook.com/william.moore.92798?mibextid=LQQJ4d] Learn more about Class 1 Offshore Powerboat Racing @ www.class1world.com [https://class1world.com/] Visit Checkmate Powerboats online @ www.checkmatepowerboats.net [https://checkmatepowerboats.net/] This episode is brought to you by Freedom and Fuel [https://freedomandfuel.com/] clothing brand made for people who love big horsepower, fuel burning engines. It doesn’t matter if you’re into hot rods, off-road, side-by-sides, or, of course, fast boats, Freedom and Fuel has the gear to match your passion for power and performance.  You can find freedom and fuel clothing at all ADBA [https://www.adbaracing.com/] and NJBA [https://njbaracing.com/] drag boat races at the SoCal Jet Boats [https://socaljetboats.com/] trailer, on Instagram @freedomandfuel [https://www.instagram.com/freedomandfuel/] on Facebook @Freedom and Fuel [https://www.facebook.com/FreedomAndFuel/], or online at freedomandfuel.com [https://freedomandfuel.com/]. Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com [https://www.powerboattalk.com/]  View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk [https://www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk]  Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk [https://www.instagram.com/powerboattalk/] and Facebook @Powerboat Talk [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091246566667]  Contact me: powerboattalk@gmail.com [powerboattalk@gmail.com]

Warren Kosikov is the Vice President of Sales for the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) [https://www.sema.org/], an organization that represents the automotive and marine aftermarket industries while advocating for the interests of both manufacturers and consumers. Before joining SEMA, Kosikov held executive sales management roles at Source Interlink Media, Buckaroo Communications, Petersen Publishing, and Nordskog Publishing. His extensive background in the performance boating industry includes work with Powerboat Magazine, Hot Boat Magazine, and Family and Performance Boating Magazine. Kosikov emphasizes SEMA’s critical role in the automotive and marine aftermarket sectors, particularly their advocacy efforts on key issues, such as defending the industry against threats like potential bans on internal combustion engines (ICE). He also provides insights into the SEMA show as well as the company's sister event, the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) [https://www.performanceracing.com/] shows, offering ways for consumers to get involved in both the events and the organizations behind them. This episode is brought to you by: SoCal Jet Boats [https://socaljetboats.com/] the #1 online performance boating community forum, manufacturers of the coolest River Attire [https://store.socaljetboats.com/?utm_source=top_menu&utm_medium=apparel&utm_id=homepage], hosts of the the Summer Tour with 6+ events along the Colorado River, and owners of The SoCal Jet Boat SpeedShop [https://parts.socaljetboats.com/]. Visit SoCal Jet Boats at www.socaljetboats.com [https://www.socaljetboats.com/] on Instagram at @SoCalJetBoats [http://www.instagram.com/socaljetboats] and Facebook @SoCal Jet Boats [http://www.facebook.com/socaljetboats] Contact SoCal Jet Boats (702) 970-7252 orders@socaljetboats.com [orders@socaljetboats.com] Visit SEMA online at https://www.sema.org/ [https://www.sema.org/] Visit PRI online at https://www.performanceracing.com/ Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com [https://www.powerboattalk.com/]  View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk [https://www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk]  Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk [https://www.instagram.com/powerboattalk/] and Facebook @Powerboat Talk [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091246566667]  Contact me: powerboattalk@gmail.com [powerboattalk@gmail.com]

Shane Westerfield is a versatile and accomplished racer with a rich history in both drag boat and car racing. Along with his father, Steve, he owns Westerfield Motorsports [https://www.instagram.com/shanewesterfieldracing?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==], a shop specializing in supercharged engines, components, and high-performance flat bottom boats. Westerfield’s 15-year drag racing career began by helping his father with his Top Alcohol flatbottom and reached a peak in 2017 when he won the NHRA [https://www.nhra.com/nhra] Top Alcohol Funny Car World Championship. Westerfield has amassed 14 NHRA national event wins and continues to drive alcohol cars. He spent the last five seasons with Rick Jackson Motorsports [https://www.instagram.com/rickjacksonmotorsports?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==] and recently began driving Bucky Austin’s [https://www.facebook.com/Buckyaustinracing?mibextid=LQQJ4d] AA Nostalgia Funny Car where he won their first two events. Despite his success in car racing, Westerfield is most passionate about competing with his Blown Gas flat bottom [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057158631642&mibextid=LQQJ4d] in the National Jet Boat Association [https://njbaracing.com/] (NJBA) and Columbia Drag Boat Association [https://www.cdbaracing.com/] (CDBA) and working to keep the class healthy and competitive as one of the few remaining "heads-up" drag boat racing classes. He has streamlined class rules and secured sponsors to increase prize money, ensuring its continued growth. In this episode, Westerfield shares the challenges of closing the family’s trade show exhibit company due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he explains how the setback led him and his father to pivot to their side project—working on boats and engines. They eventually transitioned to the business full-time, building a reputation for one-off custom work that has made them a go-to destination in the fast-boat community. This episode is brought to you by: SoCal Jet Boats [https://socaljetboats.com/] the #1 online performance boating community forum, manufacturers of the coolest River Attire [https://store.socaljetboats.com/?utm_source=top_menu&utm_medium=apparel&utm_id=homepage], hosts of the the Summer Tour with 6+ events along the Colorado River, and owners of The SoCal Jet Boat SpeedShop [https://parts.socaljetboats.com/]. Visit SoCal Jet Boats at www.socaljetboats.com [https://www.socaljetboats.com/] on Instagram at @SoCalJetBoats [http://www.instagram.com/socaljetboats] and Facebook @SoCal Jet Boats [http://www.facebook.com/socaljetboats] Contact SoCal Jet Boats (702) 970-7252 orders@socaljetboats.com [orders@socaljetboats.com] You can follow Shane Westerfield on Instagram @shanewesterfieldracing [https://www.instagram.com/shanewesterfieldracing?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==] and on Facebook @Shane Westerfield [https://www.facebook.com/shane.westerfield?mibextid=LQQJ4d] and @Westerfield Motorsports [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063565451223&mibextid=LQQJ4d] Visit Westerfield Motorsports' website www.westerfieldmotorsports.com [https://www.westerfieldmotorsports.com/] Learn more about Blown Gas Flatbottoms on Facebook @Blown Gas Flats [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057158631642&mibextid=LQQJ4d] Visit our website at www.powerboattalk.com [https://www.powerboattalk.com/]  View the video for this episode: www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk [https://www.youtube.com/@powerboat_talk]  Follow us on Instagram @powerboattalk [https://www.instagram.com/powerboattalk/] and Facebook @Powerboat Talk [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091246566667]  Contact me: powerboattalk@gmail.com [powerboattalk@gmail.com]