The first car that you should buy is the Subaru Impreza. The second best car to race would be the Toyota Celica. With the Celica, you should be able to be number one in drift, circuit, and drag racing.
Fast Getaway
When racing in Underground mode or against a friend, never use the emergency brake (L). Using it will almost make you come to a complete stop, allowing your opponent to pass you. The best way is to just let off the gas for a few seconds before your next turn.
Win a race easier
When you are at the starting line and it's say 3..2...... and so on. Keep reving your car. Don't keep A on or it'll skid and you'll have a bad start. When your off racing, when you get to a corner get really close to the corners but don't hit them! You are getting more in front of the oponent(s). When you get to a straight don't turn one bit. Carry on going and you catch so much speed! You will be flying ahead now. When you turn a corner don't let go of A only if it looks like your going to hit the wall. Then slam it straight on again after. Keep this up all the way through the track. Make sure you don't waste your Nitrous because your gonna need it for the straights. You can now win easily.