Someone please tell me the difference

Hi
So in my town every year we have a smash up derby (take old cars and vans clear em out then get in a pit and run into each other🙈) 
Well ever since I was younger I've always said I wanted to do it. Here I am 19 I don't need my parents consent to be in it. But my boyfriend keeps telling me no I don't need to be in it because it's rough. He's been in it every year since he could and I've always wanted to.
Please tell me the difference between me and anyone else getting in it. Because I think his excuse is stupid. 
** we can't have passengers in our cars just the one driver