This game is fairly simple to master in Time Trials mode, but very satisfying. Because there is no slipstream in Time Trials, the goal is to attempt to reach max speed as soon as possible, and simply hold it. This guide will discuss the various methods of maintaining speed -- primarily how I deal with corners.


Pick the Lynx. It handles very stiff if you're used to the other cars, but it very quickly starts to feel comfortable after you practice turn buffering. (below)


To start a race as fast as possible, simply hold the accelerate button during the countdown and don't let go. This game does not have a "turbo start" mechanic like some other racing games, and in Time Trials there are no other racers so you can't try to get a slipstream to boost.


In this game, being close to the inside of a turn does not make you progress any better than the outside. It can be a bit counter-intuitive at first, but in this game going at the same speed will always leave you at the same place at the same time, regardless of path the path you take. Pick your lines to help you make the next turn if needed. More often then not, you're going to be at/near max speed and should start at the inside of a turn because the Lynx turns very wide.


You may have noticed that the game has an invisible hand that helps guide your car through the turns, a sort of "pull" that helps you turn. This pull only helps so much at high speeds and you can still scrape the outside wall of a turn with the Lynx. But what if you could input a turn before the turn? That's what turn buffering is. If you initiate a drift before the actual turn in the road and hold the turn, you'll begin to drift at the first possible moment. The window for this is extremely generous and can help you to not scrape the outside of the turn because you begin drifting as soon as possible.


In order to successfully navigate an S-Curve without touching the wall, you might find it helpful (or necessary) to buffer a turn for the second half just before finishing the first. You might also want to try to end up on the outside of the first turn by the middle of the S because that is the inside of the second half.


In order to initiate a drift, you have to let go of accelerate and tap the break. This means speed loss. Minimize this by inputting the drift command as fast as possible. If done correctly, if you're riding at maximum speed in the Lynx, the speedometer should either drop by 1 or 0 (when using MPH).


The gist of Time Trials in this game is

• Pick the Lynx
  
• Learn every turn of the track
  
• Minimize breaking when drifting
  
• Buffer turns to help you not scrape the walls.

That's about it, really. No go get some good times!
I recommend practicing the basics on Villa Rica. Its possibly the easiest track in the game.