I really don't like how all of them open "Tournament" rooms just to quit after the first race anyways.

I keep hoping to find 1 or 2 pilots who stick 'till the end so I can thank them and show them WOZ.... but it still hasn't happened yet. At least on the Tourney12's.

I remember picking up the game not all too long ago. I just did about 10 speed laps on the forward tracks and then racebox/campaign'd them. But you really won't know how good you know the track until you race someone like DP, yeldar, Tarqin, KGB, or other experienced pilots on it. So I think Online Phantom is the best way to master a track, but not really for first picking it up.

Also, ask questions to those experienced pilots. There are some little things that can make a significant difference.