The first thing I want to teach you is the powerslide.
Many people would have you believe that the racing in torn city is entirely automated, but this simply is not true.
Simply enter an official race, (preferably with a car with good acceleration and great handling) then position yourself ready for the prompt.
The moment the race starts you need to throw your face as hard as you can into your keyboard, try to aim your nose at the "P" key for P-P-P-P-P-P-POWERSLIDE!! Within a few minutes you will likely get the hang of it, I'll never forget my first powerslide. I won the race and suffered a broken nose and split lip. I told the guys at work I had joined a fight club.
Trust me, stick with me kids and you'll go far.
You just have to believe.