I just completed 100% of the game and I only have first place victories in the game and now I am going after all of the other modes of game play (excluding online mode because, well, this game is no longer supported online and I also do not have the Ethernet kit to play this game online). However, with that being said, my first order of business is attacking the three toughest Autocross races in the game. I also desire to beat them with a first place victory, but I have no idea on how to not get those massive negative times in the game. The courses are these courses in question.
San Diego: Balboa (Race)
Atlanta: Uptown (Race)
Detroit: Downtown (Race)
Thanks for the help.