BASICS
QUALIFYING
Time trials and a series of heats are raced to determine the starting order for the final of each class. Positions for the preliminary events are determined by seeding into groups based on current league standings, then in each group by the time trial results for the first heat, by reverse of the start for the second heat and by combined order of finish if a third qualifier is run. The overall finish in the qualifying rounds sets up the field, from the pole position to the last, for the finals.
START
A modified LeMans (dead engine - driver in boat) start is used. The Chief Referee fires the one-minute flare. Tension mounts as the announcer ticks off the seconds; the starter raises the flag at 20 seconds into the count, then drops it at anytime between 19 and zero seconds for the start.
RACING
The first driver past the checkered flag after completing the proscribed number of laps in the least amount of time without earning any penalties is the winner. The remainder of the field is judged on their positions on the race course after the winning boat is declared. Official results are posted at the conclusion of technical inspections.
SIGNAL FLAGS
Green indicates normal racing conditions; the green flag also indicates that the course is open for testing.
Yellow is flown to caution drivers to hazardous course conditions
Red flags automatically stop the race. Used by the Chief Referee and the Safety Director whenever unsafe conditions exist the red flag is always displayed when there is an incident.
White flag indicates the start of the last lap for the drivers and their radio person.
Checkered flag waving to the lead boat at the conclusion of the last lap is the traditional finish to the heat of final race.
Black flags are used to close the course.
FINISH
The white flag is flown at the beginning of the last lap of each heat and final race. Displayed to the lead boat, it is the signal that teams look for; it's the last chance to make a move and improve your position and for the lead boat...just one more lap to victory. As the leader takes the checkered, the work of the chief inspector begins. First through third places are weighed, boat, motor, slings and driver - just as the equipment was raced. First and secound position boats go directly to the inspection tent and a third, boat from a random draw of the top ten finishers is added. Final results are not certified until the technical inspection is complete.