Novels give writers artistic license to larger than life characters and amazing storylines. Hollywood script writers are professionals and give us a synopsis of what is successful.
Future historical-novel writers of Boat Racing can learn wise techniques from the Hollywood pros.

Exaggerate the Hollywood suave and good looks of (i.e. Johnny Sanders, Bob Spalding, Bill Seebold) the drivers (women readers are attracted to approachable, confident, and good looking leading men). Include the pressure to secure and maintain a corporate sponsor (i.e. OMC, Mercury, NGK). Disclose the driver’s motivation to win, and to place the sport’s danger in a convenient perspective of risk and reward.

Add hyperbole to the owners (i.e. Carl Kiehkaefer, Bernie Little, Al Copeland) wealth, lifestyle, play toys, and extravagant spending. Over the top celebrations post wins.

Include Drivers dynamic with wives and/or girlfriends; integrate on the pages the ladies’ charm, beauty, vivacious, romance, sexiness, flirtations, affairs, and loyalty.

Reveal the drivers’ family members at home, shop, and in the pits. Nepotism, work ethics, and friction with the race team will help, the readers to better identify with the characters.

A rogue’s shady dealing adds counterpoint to the protagonist’s lifestyle. And the storyline is always better with a mischievous counterpart (Don Aronow, Cocaine Cowboys). Many cowboy movies have the bad guys wearing black hats.

A great novel which people/readers can identify with the protagonist (main character) and root-for, will bring extra new fans to the Sport of Boat Racing.