You can block stuff by throwing a shell or a banana when a shell is about to hit you.
You can also keep the 3 banana's or shells active without using them.
For the Mario Circuit: ask TWRoO, he has the fastest VGChartz time at the competition. I have the 2nd time, and I don't have a clue how someone could clock 1:32...
You do need some luck though. If you get hit by lightning it's over. It also helps if your first item is a mushroom.







