Dustin Clouatre, owner of the cajun-style restaurant Blind River Bar in Maurepas, LA, has unveiled images of his newest acquisition: the 29-foot Extreme formerly campaigned by World Champion Brit Lilly as Hurricane of Awesomeness. Clouatre will be driving the newly christened and freshly wrapped Louisiana in Modified Vee class alongside throttleman Owen Buis, son of Pro Class 1 racer Nick Buis of XINSURANCE fame. The boat has been wrapped and is ready to rock offshore’s season opener in St. Petersburg, FL.
Clouatre, owner/driver of his restaurant’s namesake, Class 700’s Blind River Bar, recently sold that 22’ Activator to rookie driver Will Langley, who has in turn given it a new look and plans to campaign it this season.
Eager to go faster and to race with more safety, Clouatre chose to step up to Modified Vee, where there’s no speed cap (Class 700’s speed limit is 60 mph) and the boats have canopies and harnesses. This competitive upgrade meant adapting to a bigger, more demanding boat that requires constant, aggressive driving rather than the steadier pace of Class 700. Additionally, the canopy and harness reduced fear in close-quarters and rough turns, enabling a bolder racing approach.
Interestingly, Louisiana will be sponsored by the actual State of Louisiana. After meeting with the Lieutenant Governor and the Office of Tourism, Clouatre scored a main sponsorship agreement under the Explore Louisiana/Feed Your Soul program. As the owner of Blind River Bar, Clouatre has earned a strong hospitality-driven team image, with branding that strengthens his credibility and community ties—he’s known for boiling crawfish at the races. “That’s kind of what we’re known for,” he says.
Clouatre acquired Lilly’s Extreme from Nick Buis, whose family had previously sold him the 22’ Activator he ran as Blind River Bar. “I’m on the Nick Buis hand-me-down program,” he laughs.
He and Owen Buis will debut the Louisiana at St. Pete to work out jitters before the hometown New Orleans race, aiming to be race-ready after repairs and extra seat time. “We’re hearing more chatter about boat racing than ever in the state of Louisiana,” Clouatre says. “People are coming back. This New Orleans race is really breathing life back into it around here.” IHRA’s race in New Orleans is scheduled for April 10-12.
Clouatre is also a regular fixture of the Tickfaw 200, scheduled for April 30 to May 2 at Blood River Landing this year.