Time Trial

The key to a fast time is to drift through virtually every curve. Don’t be fooled; this simple strategy is surprisingly dangerous! Much of the course runs along the island’s outside edge, and uncontrolled drifts can send you right off the track. Whenever possible, start your drift early to ensure a smooth turn. You have a chance to practice this on the track’s first bend. As you approach it, initiate a gentle drift, then steer your kart onto the bridge.

Drive down the center of the bridge and through the coin at the ramp’s top. Hop just before the jump to gain a small boost when you land, then drift gently to the right. Hold the drift through the next curve, release it for a Mini-Turbo, then drift back to the left to charge up another boost.

As the road straightens out, release your drift to Mini-Turbo, then look for the ramp near the inside edge of the next turn. Veer to the right, then use a Mushroom to boost across the grass. As you near the ramp, adjust your angle for a proper approach. Drive over the ramp and hop into the jump for a small boost as you return to the road. When you land, drift through the left turn to charge a Super Mini-Turbo on your way to the end of section 1

Dodge past any vehicles near the tunnel entrance, then begin a gentle drift as the road curves to the left. It’s best to stay near the curve’s outside edge, but avoid the pillars that appear on your right. It’s difficult to maintain a drift in this area, but try to pull off at least one Mini-Turbo. Grab a couple of the coins near the exit, then prepare to drift through the next turn.

Begin a drift as the road curves to the right. You should be able to charge a Mini-Turbo before the road cuts back to the left, but don’t get greedy! If you hold the drift too long, you may find yourself tumbling into the ocean. As you reach the next curve, release the drift and start a fresh one in the opposite direction. As the track takes you back inland, perform a series of small drifts to boost through each curve. Grab any coins you see, and look for the awnings coming up on your left.

When you see the first awning, veer to the left, then drift along the road as it curves to the right. Try to hold the drift long enough to charge a Mini-Turbo, but make sure you stay near the road’s left edge. As you come out of the turn, veer onto the small path beneath the awnings. Drive over the first ramp, then hop into the jump to gain a small boost.

Drift along the path as it curves to the left, then Mini-Turbo toward the second ramp. Aim for the coin on the left, then hop from the ramp’s top to gain a jump boost. As you return to the road, keep an eye out for slower vehicles.

There’s a risky shortcut toward the end of section 2. It can shave some time off of your lap, but it’s not for the faint of heart! The track curves around three pillars that you can use to cut across the gap. To do so, drift toward the pillars and approach them head-on. Drive off the track and onto the dash panel, then let the boost carry you across the remaining pillars. If you’re not comfortable doing this, stick to the road. Drift through the coins and around the curve, then use a Super Mini-Turbo to help make up for lost time.

As you enter section 3, use all of the same tactics to maintain your speed. Drift through each curve, and hop from the ramps along the road to gain useful jump boosts. When the course leads you back to the island’s edge, be mindful of sheer drops—particularly if you risk drifting onto a precariously placed ramp!

When you reach the crates in the road, you’re on the last stretch to the finish line. If you’ve managed to hang on to at least one of your Mushrooms, look for the ramp near the last crate. If you wish, veer to the left, then boost across the grass and over the ramp; remember to hop into the jump for a small boost! If you’d rather stick to the road, drift through the next two turns, then Super Mini-Turbo over one of the final ramps. Hop into the jump, then use any remaining Mushrooms to boost to the finish line.

Alternate Tactics

If precision drifting isn’t for you, consider using the alternate routes detailed in the Grand Prix section. These routes aren’t quite as fast, but they’re certainly fun! With a little planning, you can glide your way to an impressive completion time.