Number one way to win races- finish! way to win points awards? finish! want a trophy at the end of a 3 day event? finish!!!
It's not about whos fastest it's about crossing the finish line. Master finishing then worry about finishing faster.
number one mistake guys make-- go balls out on first lap and wait for the retreive boat to bring back the piece/or pieces whatever applies.
Real secret is to have a great pit man working your brain behind you- he's the extra eyes, and can coach you through and hold you back when you need to.
If you can cut a good start there's no reason not to go for turn one, but you better be in front, if not your chances are now 50/50 that you'll even make a lap. It really depends on knowing who your racing against and what thier tactics and style is. You really need to know your cometition to do well, know whos teaming up with who and all that bs. two guys may work together to screw you and you don't even know it, those are the guys you don't want to be around pretty much at any time on or off the water, and there's a few in every crowd- just as in life.