In the opening races of the game, such as the rookie and start of the amateur levels, use the VW Sirocerro or the Lotus Exige S. They have mid-level Grip and Speed, which will give you an advantage during small corners and straight lines. If you have upgraded either car to the nitro pack, you will have an added advantage of being able to deploy three nitro boosts in one race, totaling 50 extra mph in all. If you have the body kit upgrade, use the VW to add a little grip, which will help during drifts and turns. If you have all upgrades, stay with the Lotus to exploit the tuned engine, body kit and nitro pack upgrades.