Does the first race count?

[Instructor]

Not that it's really important, but..........I read in the APBA rules that a "new driver" not only has to mark his/her helmet with an X but on the heat of their first race they must run at the back of the pack to be "observed". I'm the first one to agree that sounds like a really good rule ( just as good as "no running with scissors) however I just wondered if that "first" race where the person "had" to run last counted as for the drivers first "13" races to be scored for "High Points". Like I said, it's not very important, I don't imagine anyone really has a shot at being the "High Point" champ in their first season but I just read the rule and wondered since that would be a handicap for new racers.
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[BP125V]

it counts.

it sure does. realistically speaking though a new driver should not worry about points, worry about getting experience first and foremost. get a few seasons under your belt and the points will come later. check out hi point winners at the end of the year, they are the guys who go to a LOT of races, do well at their Divisionals and most likely win the Nationals. in the big scheme of things starting at the back of the pack for a racer's first heat has no bearing whatsoever on hi points, but you are right, it is a handicap, albeit a very minor one.


Bill

[Instructor]

Hey I'm not worried about points, my goal next year (which will be my first) is to "finish" every race and maybe try not to come in last at least once. The question only came about because I use to be a "trouble-shooter" and it was my job to find flaws and loop-holes. I think the only way I will score any good points will be to enter races that only have a couple other racers (last place in a 5 boat race is still 5th place).
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[Andrew 4CE]

I've seen several first time racers win their first race because of that rule...haha... the pack will jump the start and they are trolling around the back and win the race. Could be an advantage...LOL

[Dave M]

In Some Categories

I don't think that is a rule in MOD, but it is in Stock. I have also seen the new racer told to run ion the back the first heat pass many in that first heat and still get cleared for racing the next heat. It is a good idea to take it easy and make sure you have the feel for racing verses testing, they are very different. Just about anyone can ride around testing in a boat, it is when you race it and get into traffic things change. It is no longer just you out there, you are responsible for the saftey of everyone on the course.

I think each person is different. One with experience in other forms of racing might do better than someone with zero experience in any racing. best thing to do is use your own common sense, and listen to a few key folks at the races. You will get a lot of suggestions and opinions at your first race, just try to listen to the ones that seem the most sincere.

Welcome to the sport !

[Silas_53A]

The first race I ever won (the only first I have gotten so far) was because I was the only legal boat at the end of the race. I got a really good start, everyone else jumped except one guy, but he took out a buoy, making me the only legal boat that heat, and then I got like 5th in the second heat.. Making me #1. That was in CSH, up here we usually have a full field of CSH, 10-11 boats usually.

[hydroboutchip3F]

Ithink you have to start in the back not finish there and Ithink you have to go around the outside but if you are faster you dont have to back off not sure tho its been a couple years since this was told to me

[Silas_53A]

For my first race I was asked to stay back until given the 'thumbs up' to get in the thick of things. There was a test day the friday before and that was my first time in the boat. Spent the entire testing day going round and round. I think it was after two or three heats (I was running OSY CSH and I think 20 that day) that they thought i was doing good enough to actually race.

[johnsonm50]

I've seen several first time racers win their first race because of that rule...haha... the pack will jump the start and they are trolling around the back and win the race. Could be an advantage...LOL

Funny, I wasnt that lucky. It was among the best several miniutes ever for the 3 heats I did go anyway. Dont worry about anything but being ready to go. Drink a little water before you go out, the guys that have experience will probably dust ya at the start & every turn so just try not to get overlapped & /or tossed out. I was given all kinds of help, Im sure you will too. Riding around for fun or testing are one thing but at the races rear youll encounter some naaasty water Like anyone who wants to race Im sure youll just go hammer down & hang in. Good Luck

[dwilderacer]

First Race

I ended up winning my first race in JSR in 19...(lets just say a while back) because we were all first time drivers and we couldn't all start behind. I'll never forget that day or the great friends I made on the water.

[wildcild95p]

first race

i ended up winning my first race in camden north carolina, i think it was '96, it was my first race, i had a couple guys helping me setup my boat while testing , while out for a run i ended up blowing over, i couldnt stand up straight, but as soon as we got my motor flushed out, i was offered another boat,that they told me i would never blow over, due to all the fiberglass from the boat coming off the trailer on interstate 95.. i ended winning with the boat that was loaned to me, anyways that year i went on and was running for high points, and also took 2nd place at hinton west virginia nationals.

[Wayne mtl qc]

The first race I ever won (the only first I have gotten so far) was because I was the only legal boat at the end of the race. I got a really good start, everyone else jumped except one guy, but he took out a buoy, making me the only legal boat that heat, and then I got like 5th in the second heat.. Making me #1. That was in CSH, up here we usually have a full field of CSH, 10-11 boats usually.

I wonder who that fool that took out the bouy on the last turn was. DOH!!!