Hyperthrust: I'll agree with you there. The trick is knowing when and where and how long to use it, given each speed class and what track and ship you use. Then in Single Race mode, you pretty much have to either 1) not get hit by enemy fire or 2) pit every lap if you do to get the most of the system.

Personally, hyperthrust didn't fit very well either. That's just my $0.02, but hey.