I have no proof this is an actual thing, but I noticed a few posts mentioning how annoying the mini game is so I figured I'd drop this: as soon as the race starts, spam honk (LMB) for a few seconds. I might be imagining it (probably), but it feels like your character gets a small boost when you do this compared to not.

I got stuck on one level, did this to show my annoyance at those greedy coin-grabbing customer racer bastards (I MAKE YOUR SUNDAES TO PERFECTION, GET OUT OF MY LANE (but let me in yours ty)), and immediately pulled ahead just enough to give me the advantage. Now I do it for every race and I haven't had any difficulties since. A few losses, yes, but no losing streaks like before.

Would love to see if I'm crazy and placebo-ing myself or if it works for other people as well.