There is a straight shortcut that only power characters can use. When the race starts, you will be in the desert. Go straight ahead to the big coin-looking object and travel through it. You will be underground and be propelled in the air at the end of the tunnel. This is the time where you can do tricks. After you fall, you will be in front of the next ramp. The second shortcut is when you enter a place that looks like an ancient temple. Go straight ahead and knock the big rocks out of your way. The last shortcut requires perfect timing. When you go past the rocks you will see giant stone soldiers. One of them will be discolored (darker). Airslide into it and you will break through. Any other statue except that can not be broken.