There were several rookie drivers today. The one racing with Ralph's class got quite a story to tell. He came as close to hitting therocks as one can, without hurting the boat. Even got it running again after the shower and finished the heat.
I think all you need is some minimal race grade safety gear, a pocket full of money, and a boat that can run 80 mph for 15 minutes at a time.
Oh yeah, and the freakish desire to ruin said boat by beating the piss out of it.