Most of the race is decided in the first second — a clean launch and well-timed early shifts matter far more than anything that happens once both cars are at speed.
MouseInteract / Aim
Left Click / TapPrimary action
TouchFull mobile support
PPause game (where supported)
01
Shift just before the tachometer peaks, not after; a slightly early shift consistently beats a late one.
02
Put most of your practice into the launch itself, since that's where the biggest time gap opens.
03
Against a repeat opponent, note their shift pattern — a consistent AI can be out-timed on a rematch.
Check the settings menu — manual shifting is usually available even when automatic is the default.
If a garage screen exists, race earnings typically fund it — check the main menu.