You’ll face some stiff competition for item boxes early in the race. As you approach the first curve, pay attention to the racers in front of you. If they’re in position to clear out the item boxes, it’s generally best to focus on the upcoming turn. As the pack thins out, you’ll have a much easier time claiming items.
As you come out of the first curve, check your opponents’ karts for equipped items. You should gain some ground as you drift through the turn, but devious racers can keep you at bay with newly acquired items. As you head under the bridge, check the track for dropped items. If you have a Banana handy, try placing it just past one of the dash panels. If you don’t see any immediate dangers, this straightaway is a great place to draft behind other racers.
The ramp toward the course’s end offers a convenient shortcut—provided you have a Mushroom handy. As you exit the tunnel, veer to the right and approach the ramp head-on. Boost across the sand, then hop from the ramp’s top to gain a little extra speed when you land.
If you have an appropriate item, you can use the shortcut described in the “Time Trial” section. Before you venture onto the sand, check the Touch Screen for any dangerously armed opponents. An unanticipated attack can strand you off-road, making it very difficult to get back into the race. If you’re not comfortable with the risk, you can still gain a lot of ground by cutting across the edge of the sand.
