Sonic Drift on Game Gear is better than any Sonic Riders. But Riders is better than the Kart section in Sonic Adventure 2 lol.

Geez, I forgot about Sonic Drift...

I like Sonic Riders and Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing. I chose second one, because is quite enjoyable nowadays.
Transformed improves formule, but it's PAIN for challenges (especially ghosts!). Madness.

Despite it getting a lot of dislike, I thought Team Sonic Racing was solid. Not as good as All Stars Racing or Transformed, but still a fun game.

Most Team Sonic Racing reviews were positive.

I think it got some mixed reaction from the fans because it brings nothing too new or interesting to the racing games. Like you said, both All Stars Racing had more creativity.

Yeah it was less varied and imaginative than its predecessors, and I think the decision to go with only Sonic characters generated a lot of backlash, but I enjoyed my time with it. It was good chaotic entertainment like a kart racer should be.