It is often said that races are not won or lost on the actual race day, but in the months to weeks leading up to the race in the form of training and preparation. And while, training and preparation are, of course, important components to any racer's "plan," I have something else to add: fear and intimidation.
That's right, if you can strike fear into your competitors' hearts, strike it there on the shaft of a flaming crossbow bolt, then you've got an advantage before you even leave the start line.