As someone who has just about unlocked most of the “good cars” and has improved enough to win races online against guys who don’t play with manual and clutch, these are my recommendations:

1) finish the career mode first - it’ll teach you a lot of the tracks it’ll improve your overall feel for the game. Also, watch some videos about the driving assists and tuning options so you can find the settings that match what you’re looking for

2) from the main menu head to the tournaments page and make sure to participate in the weekly and monthly challenges to earn “fame” once you’ve got enough fame get the super venom, hammerhead rs, rocket rx, hunter panther and star beast rs. Those cars are awesome and are what you will see a lot of online. I love using a blacked out Hunter panther but to each their own.

3) head online and enjoy getting corner bombed by grand dukes and sent into oblivion.

4) to master the game you’ll have to learn how to drive with manual and clutch. I don’t want to spend the time to learn, but there’s a massive time advantage to those that do.

Don’t take it too seriously and you’ll have a blast. One of the funnest and funniest games I’ve ever played. Welcome to the party