Episode 18 - Powerboat Talk with Don Onken, Owner of American Ethanol, Nine Time LOTO Top Gun
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83 years young, Don Onken stands as a testament to his powerboat racing legacy. Having achieved remarkable milestones throughout his career, Onken continues to push boundaries. "Our aspiration for American Ethanol is to attain speeds at the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout's 3/4-mile stretch that rival our past performance in the one-mile run," Onken confidently states. A feat many deemed implausible, yet here they stand, having reached speeds of 200 mph on the shorter course.
The 2022 event saw driver, Tony Battiato, and throttleman, John Cosker, owner of Mystic Powerboats, guide Onken's 51 ft. Mystic Catamaran to an astounding 207 mph pass, securing the LOTO Shootout Top Gun award for an unprecedented eighth time.
This impressive boat got its power from four Vortech Supercharged, 600 cu. in. Big Block Chevys meticulously crafted by Earl Moorman at Onken's performance engine shop, Onken Racing. Equipped with notable components like Big Chief cylinder heads, Holley Dominator engine management systems, and Custom Marine headers, these engines thrived on E85 ethanol fuel from Renegade Race Fuel. Mounted crank-to-crank in a distinctive tractor pull configuration, each engine generated a formidable 2250 hp, spinning the number 10 Arneson drives through SCS crash boxes.
In anticipation of this year's Lake of the Ozarks event, Onken embarked on a mission to enhance the Mystic's propulsion system with four new engines. Utilizing Mercury Racing Engine blocks featuring double overhead cam cylinder heads, these 557 cu.in. short stroke engines incorporated Procharger superchargers, achieving an impressive 2550 hp each. Onken's confidence in this endeavor was unwavering; he believed that the combined extra 1000 hp would provide the necessary boost of 10 mph. This additional speed should propel the boat to a the 217 mph needed to equal their best speed achieved on the one-mile course. For a more in-depth look, Don shares insights about this ambitious project in a dedicated episode.
Experience Don Onken's journey of speed, innovation, and determination as he continues to make waves in the powerboat racing world.
You can find out more about Don Onken and the American Ethanol Racing team on Facebook @American Ethanol Mystic Race Team
Learn more about the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout online www.lakeoftheozarksshootout.com
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