I test pressing start at earliest frame, I test save states in the race(I get 4 take downs in a row to get my boost meter up, make save states and load them during the camera change when performing a take down), try to get as many near miss as possible(with this game, its very finicky do that).
I dont complete the first race, as this was just a test. I'll probably finish it later.
As always, dont expect it to be optimal.