Speedboat's 200mph record attempt goes horribly wrong after being caught by gust of WIND on Arizona lake
Freedom One, a skater racing boat from Kansas City, Missouri, was flying down the course at over 200 mph on Saturday when trouble struck.
Wind gusts — reported to be around 30 mph — suddenly caught the vessel, sending it airborne in front of stunned spectators.
'We saw the race team proceed down the course, and they started out really well, nothing out of the ordinary,' Ray Lee, owner and publisher of Speedboat Magazine, told AZ Family.
'Then it was about halfway, three-quarters of the way down the course when we saw the nose start to lift.'
Video from the event shows Freedom One flipping multiple times before slamming back into the water.
The violent crash unfolded around noon, but somehow, both racers survived with only moderate injuries.
Freedom One Racing had set its sights on breaking records at the Desert Storm Shootout, an event where boats race solo to clock the highest speeds over a three-quarter-mile stretch.
'It's as fast as you can go in that three-quarter of a mile, and they have radar guns kind of throughout there, and one at the end, so you're really just racing against yourself,' explained Freedom One Racing Boat Tech Ryan Olah.
Olah said the boat was custom-built to handle extreme speeds: 'We built this boat to be a record breaker pretty much everywhere we go.'
Despite the harrowing crash, the mood among the Freedom One team was surprisingly upbeat.
'Today they've been in great spirits, joking around, a little bit sore and banged up, but for the most part they're happy,' said Olah.
One racer suffered a broken collarbone and injured ribs, while the other had a 'semi-fractured' knee, according to Olah.
The boat itself took a beating but is expected to be repaired.
'The boat can be fixed, it's all just parts and a little bit of time, so we were just glad that nobody had any major injuries,' he added.
Beyond their need for speed, Freedom One Racing is known for giving back to the communities where they compete.
Over the weekend, the team raised nearly $20,000 for local charities, even clinching the 'King of the Desert' title at the event — crash and all.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Globe and Mail
a few seconds ago
- Globe and Mail
Quebec government renews promise to modify forestry reform bill that sparked blockades
The Quebec government is renewing its promise to modify a forestry bill that has provoked blockades and growing tension in the province. Indigenous Affairs Minister Ian Lafrenière said Tuesday evening that the forestry reform bill must be amended to take into account the rights of First Nations. His social media statement came after a six-hour meeting with First Nations leaders and representatives of the forest industry. He and Natural Resources Minister Maïté Blanchette Vézina are expected to meet today with the Assembly of First Nations Quebec–Labrador and the office of Premier François Legault. The legislation would designate certain areas of public land as forestry zones, but Indigenous leaders say it infringes on their rights. A series of blockades in recent months in opposition to the bill has disrupted operations for some in the forestry sector.
Globe and Mail
a few seconds ago
- Globe and Mail
VISTAJET FIRST TO FLY WITHIN THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA, FURTHER EXPANDING DOMESTIC FLIGHT SOLUTIONS
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia , Aug. 20, 2025 /CNW/ -- VistaJet, the first and only global private aviation company and part of the Vista group, announces that it is the first foreign operator to offer flights internally within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia . This exciting agreement is a commitment to dedicate VistaJet services and expertise to facilitate the strategic goals of the Kingdom, and with the leadership's vision and implementation of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). Given the nature of Vista's fully-owned floating fleet, the company is best positioned to offer immediate private aviation services throughout the Kingdom, while ensuring the operational efficiencies of its worldwide operations continue to best serve local clients. With the largest international fleet of Global 7500 aircraft, and soon Global 8000 jets, VistaJet clients can additionally reach any point around the globe non-stop directly from the Kingdom, thanks to its strategic central geographical position. Nick van der Meer , Chief Operating Officer at Vista, said: " The approval and recognition from GACA marks a significant milestone for Vista's operations in the Kingdom. By expanding our domestic capabilities, we are not only strengthening our regional presence, but also amplifying the efficiency of our global fleet. We are proud to support Vision 2030 and grateful to the leadership and the GACA team for making this possible. This enables us to serve our clients with seamless access across the Kingdom and beyond, ensuring that every journey reflects Vista's commitment to reliability, consistency and world-class service." Saudi Arabia's aviation industry is undergoing a historic transformation, positioned as a key pillar of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. With bold ambitions to become a global hub for travel, trade and investment, the Kingdom and GACA are rapidly modernizing the country's aviation landscape through regulation, infrastructure and innovation, connecting Asia , Africa and Europe like never before. This vision is symbiotic to Vista's operations as the most advanced, sustainable and interconnected flying solutions at the very best value, anytime, anywhere around the world. VistaJet has served the market for more than 15 years — more than any other international operator — and is committed to ensuring it adds true value to the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia has proven a key growth market for VistaJet, and continues to deliver numerous opportunities. During the first half of 2025, the company saw a 32% increase in VistaJet Program Members in the Kingdom year-over-year, highlighting the drive in demand for both domestic and global flying solutions for both local and international clients. "We are delighted to be working with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and GACA, reinforcing our commitment to offering clients reliable, flexible and trusted flying solutions through our global and regional infrastructure," comments Mazen Obaid , President — Middle East at Vista. "As a Saudi myself, I am extremely proud and excited for this new venture, and of all the opportunities that I know we can achieve together. We thank the Kingdom and its leadership for its dynamic Vision 2030, and we very much look forward to hiring many local experts and investing locally." Vista has innovated the industry for over 20 years, flying corporations and private clients to over 200 countries and territories on the Vista Members' fleet of over 270 iconic silver and red business jets, across a range of aircraft types, focusing on super-midsize and global range. From Challenger 350 to the flagship Global 7500, Vista offers the best aircraft in each cabin class for every trip. This announcement follows Vista successfully closing an Equity and Term Loan B transaction totaling $1.3 billion in the first quarter of this year. These transactions are a strong endorsement of Vista's strategy and long-term vision for the future. With enhanced operations, increased services and expanding geographical presence in emerging markets, the business continues to evolve to demand — the agreement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and GACA is another major milestone, strengthening Vista's position in a key market. About VistaJet VistaJet is the first and only global business aviation company. On the unrivaled Vista Members' fleet of over 270 aircraft, VistaJet has flown corporations, governments and private clients to over 200 countries and territories, covering 96% of the world. Founded over 20 years ago, the company pioneered an innovative business model where customers are granted access to an entire fleet while paying only for the hours they fly, free of the responsibilities and asset risks linked to aircraft ownership and fractional ownership. VistaJet's signature Program membership offers customers a bespoke subscription of flight hours on its fleet of mid and long-range jets, to fly them anytime, anywhere, with as little as 24 hours' notice. VistaJet is part of Vista Global Holding (Vista) — the world's leading private aviation group, headquartered at the DIFC in Dubai , integrating a unique portfolio of companies offering asset-free solutions to cover all key aspects of business aviation. More VistaJet information and news at VistaJet Limited is a European air carrier that operates 9H registered aircraft under its Maltese Air Operator Certificate No. MT-17. VistaJet US Inc. is an air charter broker that does not operate aircraft. VistaJet-owned and U.S.-registered aircraft are operated by properly licensed U.S. direct air carriers, including XOJET Aviation LLC (DBA Vista America), JetSelect LLC (DBA Vista America), Western Air Charter Inc (DBA Vista America), and Red Wing Aeroplane LLC (DBA Vista America). About Vista Vista Global Holding Limited ( Vista) is the world's leading global business aviation company providing worldwide business flight services through its network of subsidiaries and a team of over 4,000 experts. A global group headquartered in Dubai , Vista integrates a unique portfolio of companies to offer asset free services to cover all key aspects of business aviation, including guaranteed and on demand global flight coverage, subscription and membership solutions, and trading and management services. Innovating the industry for over 20 years through continuous investment in talent, technology, and infrastructure, Vista's mission is to provide the most advanced flying services at the very best value — anytime, anywhere around the world. Vista's extensive industry expertise enables it to deliver comprehensive end-to-end solutions and technology to meet the needs of business aviation clients around the world. These services are offered through its leading brands, including VistaJet and XO. More Vista information and news at "Vista" is a trade name for Vista Global Holding Limited. Vista does not operate any aircraft. All flights are performed by properly licensed operators, which may include subsidiaries such as Vista Jet Limited or Vista Jet GmbH. Vista also holds a non-controlling minority stake in FAA-licensed and DOT registered US direct air carriers XOJET Aviation LLC (DBA Vista America), Red Wing Aeroplane LLC (DBA Vista America), Western Air Charter, Inc. (DBA Vista America), Jet Select, LLC (DBA Vista America), and Talon Air LLC. SOURCE VistaJet
Globe and Mail
a few seconds ago
- Globe and Mail
The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights IonQ, Microsoft, Amazon.com, Alphabet and NVIDIA
For Immediate Release Chicago, IL – August 20, 2025 – announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: IonQ, Inc. IONQ, Microsoft Corp. MSFT, Inc. AMZN, Alphabet Inc. GOOGL and NVIDIA Corp. NVDA. Here are highlights from Tuesday's Analyst Blog: Can IONQ Become the NVIDIA of Quantum Computing, and Is It a Buy? IonQ, Inc. 's shares surged 457.9% over the past year, driven by its significant advancements in quantum computing. IonQ has offered its customers quantum systems via platforms like Microsoft Corp. 's Azure, Inc. 's Amazon Web Services, and Alphabet Inc.'s Google Cloud. IonQ now aims to position itself as the NVIDIA Corp. of quantum computing. Will it be able to achieve this goal, and is this an opportune moment to invest in its shares? Let's find out – Reasons to Be Bullish on IONQ IonQ has prepared the groundwork for its quantum computers to seamlessly integrate into real-world applications. IonQ is preparing compatible trapped-ion quantum computers for major cloud platforms. IonQ has already acquired several companies, including Qubitekk, ID Quantique, and Lightsynq Technologies, to enhance its presence in the quantum field and has secured contracts from the U.S. Air Force Research Lab, which is expected to drive significant growth for the company in the next two years. IonQ's revenues have increased significantly since its initial public offering in 2021. Management projects revenues between $82 million and $100 million this year, significantly higher than $43.1 million in 2024. The company is on a positive trajectory, having reported second-quarter revenues of $20.7 million compared to $11.4 million last year, and anticipates third-quarter revenues of $25 million, nearly double the previous year's figures. This revenue growth indicates that the company's acquisition strategy is effective and its business model is solid. Can IONQ Become the NVIDIA in Quantum Computing? IonQ aspires to become the NVIDIA of quantum computing by relying on consistent revenue growth and successful acquisitions, with more anticipated in the future. However, despite revenue growth, IonQ hasn't generated any profit. In the second quarter, IonQ had an operating expense of $181.3 million, which resulted in an operating loss of $160.6 million, way more than $48.9 million loss a year ago. The operating loss exceeded revenue growth, which can compel IonQ to face financial challenges and jeopardize its aim to become the NVIDIA of quantum computing. NVIDIA, in reality, is in a better position to compete against pure-play quantum computing stocks like IonQ. This is because NVIDIA aims to integrate its graphics processing units (GPUs) and quantum processing units (QPUs) in a hybrid quantum system to efficiently manage calculation errors. Utilizing its GPU framework serves as an effective bridge from current classical computers to quantum technology. Additionally, in contrast to IonQ, NVIDIA has reported an operating income of $21.6 billion in the fiscal first quarter, up 28% year over year. Its revenues also jumped 69% year over year to $44.1 billion. Being a profitable enterprise will enable NVIDIA to effectively tackle the challenges of quantum computing and expand its operations. Therefore, it is premature to determine that IonQ could become the NVIDIA of quantum computing. Here's How to Trade IONQ Stock Now The series of acquisitions indicates that IonQ has bold plans to grow in the quantum computing industry, which is projected to reach a value of $100 billion by 2035, according to McKinsey. This should encourage stakeholders to remain invested in IonQ stock. However, new investors should proceed with caution. Quantum computing is still in its early stages, and IonQ is not yet profitable. Several leading CEOs have stated that the widespread use of quantum computing technology is still years away and that it remains prone to errors. Therefore, IonQ is a risky investment suitable only for high-risk-tolerance investors. Let's not forget that IonQ is an overpriced stock and could see its price fall when the market corrects itself. IonQ's forward price-to-sales (P/S) ratio stands at 126.59 compared to 4.14 for the Computer-Integrated System industry. For now, IonQ has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here. Why Haven't You Looked at Zacks' Top Stocks? Since 2000, our top stock-picking strategies have blown away the S&P's +7.7% average gain per year. Amazingly, they soared with average gains of +48.4%, +50.2% and +56.7% per year. Today you can access their live picks without cost or obligation. See Stocks Free >> Zacks Investment Research 800-767-3771 ext. 9339 support@ Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release. #1 Semiconductor Stock to Buy (Not NVDA) The incredible demand for data is fueling the market's next digital gold rush. As data centers continue to be built and constantly upgraded, the companies that provide the hardware for these behemoths will become the NVIDIAs of tomorrow. One under-the-radar chipmaker is uniquely positioned to take advantage of the next growth stage of this market. It specializes in semiconductor products that titans like NVIDIA don't build. It's just beginning to enter the spotlight, which is exactly where you want to be. See This Stock Now for Free >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Inc. (AMZN): Free Stock Analysis Report Microsoft Corporation (MSFT): Free Stock Analysis Report NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA): Free Stock Analysis Report Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL): Free Stock Analysis Report IonQ, Inc. (IONQ): Free Stock Analysis Report
