Star Cup
Sherbet Land
Near the start of the course you can cut across some snow on the left. You'll return back onto the course.
Inside the tunnel try and grab an item.
After you leave the tunnel boost across the right snow path to cut some of the course.
Going behind the blue tower near the end won't speed you up. You're more likely to drive into a freezy. Avoid the ice freezies or else you'll freeze.
Mushroom City
At the start of the course continue forward, until after where the road forks off. Just after where the road forks off you'll see a narrow pink path. If you have good driving skill and can avoid bumping into the walls this will save you some time.
Near the end of the course there is a small road on the right; if you can stay straight and nott fall into the hole you'll avoid all of the traffic.
Yoshi Circuit
Near the beginning across Yoshi's arm is a small gap that requires a powerslide turbo boost or a shroom boost to get over.
After the tunnel in Yoshi's nose you'll see a small part where no railings are. If you have a mushroom boost you can boost over and into a tunnel. This shaves sometime and there is a double bonus item at the end of the tunnel.
DK Mountain
If you have a mushroom when you lan on the mountain after going in the cannon, it is best to use it, as you tend to lose speed when you land.
Try and stay next to the wall on the right when going down the mountain; be cautious and aware of the boulders.
Near the end there is a sharp U turn. It is possible to jump across the gap between the paths if you powerslide over.
Go to the Special Cup.