Just downloaded the latest version and I will give it a go tomorrow :) About the race, mabye just slowing down the opponent could do the trick considering that he does a perfect lap. Minigames are a great addition to rpgs, they give charm and freshnes, but ultimately the game does not cater to top down race game fans so in my opinion it should be rather easy and completed in one or two tries. Enough so that the player feels a little bit of acomplishment, but also that he can get it over with relatively fast and get on with the story and the rest of the "normal" gameplay (thats why he/she is here for moslty). I put "normal" on quotes because of, you know, testicles of an angel xD Of course this is only my opinion.
I have actually just worked on making the race a bit easier(hopefully) by zooming out the camera as you accelerate!
I'm going to release a new version today with almost all the bugs you spoke of fixed!
So maybe check for a new version before you try again tomorrow!
Thanks for being so willing to keep playtesting despite no save game ability. I am surprised that your still willing to play again from the start but none the less grateful. I know I say this often, but it really does help me out a LOT.