The Complete Newbie's Guide to Dominating B and C Class

This guide is intended to make you comfortable with getting into 1st place in B and C class races. Alternatively, if you choose to ignore this guide completely, don't come crying to me when you wind up in last place and are utterly annihlated.

Starting Off

The best trick here is to tap the accelerator button with the countdown- tap every time the number comes up and you will charge up a boost that is released when the 'GO' signal is given. Pull out or go down the middle to overtake the bottom 5 places. After that, it's down to your skill. Characters with high Speed or Boost such as Shadow with his Console Mod, Sonic or Shogun work best here.

Cornering

The best chance here is to initiate a Drift a good distance away, long enough to charge up a red colour Drift-Boost. Release it as you round the corner and leave the AI eating your dust as you blast off in front whilst they're still making the corner. Characters with high Handling or Handling Mods such as Joe Musashi work well here. An ideal track to practice this technique on is Burning Rangers/ Burning Depths. Adder's Lair is also a good track for this.

Getting Ahead

A measure of what is called 'jungle eye' works well in all tracks. This is simply to look through the track, and to focus for a second on what's further ahead as well as in front of you. This is pretty much essential in Race of Ages. In any other track, refer to the minimap to see what's coming up if you can't see yourself. Remember to always have a plan for where you want to go- it really does help. Drift often to build a Boost up to give yourself an edge, but then again, know when not to, and when to focus on Stunts and Weapons.
When in Plane Mode: Keep it steady and straight. Remember to Boost through the pads if you can, and Stunt at the Gate that leads out of Plane Mode.

Drops/Transform Gates, and Boosting from these

Wherever there is a drop in the track, such as those extreme ones in Curien Mansion/Graveyard Gig or Adder's Lair, or just smaller ones like those in Dragon Canyon/Panzer Dragoon, where you can find one in Lap 2, or a boat tansform gate with a large drop visible, use a stunt to charge a boost. On small ones like Billy Hatcher, only attempt one, but on larger, Adder's Lair or Shinobi-type ones, you can try for 3 or 4. You may have to focus on the keyboard/controller to push the right buttons, but it's worth it.
P.S. Have a route planned as you come out of a drop-you don't want to boost into a wall. This may happen on Shinobi-just don't say I didn't warn you.

Weaponry

Weapons are best wielded in close pack situations, where you're in the middle, because it's unlikely you'll miss. If you're in front or second, line your opponent up in a straight line in front of or behind you (don't forget to look back), and let 'em have it. Ice is the best weapon for these situations, but Firework's good if you're a sharpshot. Blowfish are best drpped in narrow places or on Boost Pads, which can really make the AI fall behind. The Drone's only really any good with an opponent in front of you.
Hot Rod's useful in group situations.
Top Tip: Don't use any weapons other than the Drone and Blowfish in the air- it's soooooo unlikely you'll hit it's just not worth it.
If you've got the Glove, use it when there's someone with a weapon near you- chances are they'll shoot at you. It's also good for evading Swarm and Blowfish, as well as Track Hazards.

All Star

Very rare, but if you do get it, use it when you're on a straight and/or in a crowd to blow'em away. Best used in land or sea modes. Use to remove that irritating AI in 1st place, or to extend your lead.
Shadow's or Beat's attacks in this mode send out a blast wave that can seriously set back the AI. There'll be some more for different characters- find them!
Don't use it too far away if there's someone in front, as it has a limited charge, and you want to be sure you're gonna hit someone.

Tracks and Attributes

You want to get a feel for the track first, before you see who is best for these tracks. Of course, no one's great at everything, and characters can unlock mods to alter their attributes, but anyway:
Tracks with lots of sharp corners: Choose characters with good Handling, or good all-round attributes, like Standard Knuckles. Tracks include Seasonal Shrines or Adder's Lair.
Tracks with drops and plenty of Gates: Choose characters with good Boost and/or Speed, like Sonic or Shadow. You'll need that to get past any obstacles quickly. Tracks include Carrier Zone or Dragon Canyon.
Tracks with gentle curves: Characters with good Boost and Handling work well here, because it's easy to charge up a Drift on these and leave your opponents eating your dust. Tracks include Samba Studios and Dragon Canyon.
For Drifting, always see which tracks have Drift Challenges on them in World Tour- it can help you prepare a Drift strategy for the next time you return to it. Learn how to Switch-Drift.
Tracks with a high amount of Plane Racing- Good Boost characters are needed here, as Air tracks have a lot of Boost Pads, and Planes are the fastest. Can you see where I'm goiing here? Avoid any and all tunnels- they are not a help. Tracks include Sanctuary Falls.