How To Watch A Race

By Craig Fjarlie

Watching an outboard race requires concentration. There's more happening than boats going fast and turning left. To really enjoy the races, you need to understand the rules. Here's an overview of how outboard races are conducted. 

Outboard races feature boats in a variety of classes, based on engine size, hull style, and other factors. Most classes race separately, although some classes may be combined at the discretion of the race committee. Each class has two heats of racing; each heat is usually three laps long. Final standings are determined by points scored in both heats. Ties are broken by using total elapsed time.  

The American Power Boat Association employs an interesting scoring system. The winner of each heat gets 400 points. Second place receives 300, third is awarded 225, fourth earns 169, fifth is given 127, and so on. Each position gets 75% of the points that the position above it receives. 

A horn is sounded three minutes before the start of a heat and a countdown clock that faces the course begins ticking to zero. During this period drivers enter the course, make timing runs to the starting line, check for any rough spots on the water, and play mind games with rivals. One minute before the start, a white flag is raised and drivers move into position along the backstretch. Each one wants the best lane for a high speed run to the line. During the last 45 seconds, drivers are prohibited from crossing the starting line. Anyone who does is disqualified for jumping the gun. 

About 15 seconds before the start, the boats should all be in the "shape up" turn. Drivers know the precise moment to squeeze the throttle and go for the start. The idea is to reach the line at top speed an eye blink after the countdown clock strikes zero. 

Boats charge to the all-important first turn. Drivers may change lanes as long as they are clear of other boats. In an outboard race, boats must have a one length overlap on a rival before moving over. A common reason drivers are penalized is for failing to maintain an overlap before changing lanes.

 Most people watch the lead boat, but frequently there is good racing back in the pack. Try to scan different sections of the course. You may see a thrilling duel for second place or a straggler go dead in the water. 

All around the course there are official boats with judges and rescue personnel. The referee uses flags to communicate with drivers.

When the three minute horn sounds, a green flag is raised. One minute before the start, the green flag is replaced with a white flag. When the clock hits zero, officials put out the green flag again. As the lead boat begins the last lap, the white flag is flown The checkered flag is waved for the winner. If a boat goes dead in the water, a blue and white flag flies in the vicinity of the stalled boat to warn other drivers of a potential hazard. In case of a serious accident or other major problem, a red flag is raised, flares may be fired. Racing stops immediately while rescue personnel go into action. A black flag means the course is closed.

 A standard course is an oval, with each turn about the same diameter. The start-finish line is usually at the mid-point of the front straightaway. On river courses, a breeze blowing with the current is not too much of a problem, but wind against the current can make conditions treacherous.

 Now you're ready to watch the action like a veteran spectator. Whether you're a long-term fan or a first time viewer, the more carefully you observe, the more you'll enjoy your day at the races.

APBA Point System

Position Points

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