Mario Kart Arcade GP Hints & Cheats

During the countdown from 3..2...1... GO!
Step on the gas pedal as soon as GO! appears. This will give you the initial startup boost.

The cheat allows for the 150cc Golden Kart to be used for Time Attacks.

First of all, one must complete the first two rounds of story mode to unlock the 150cc Kart and then during the screen selection for the Story Mode or Time Attack, move the wheel to the Time Attack screen and press the red button on the right. The TA changes from 50cc to 150cc mode.

This is confirmed on the machines with the Card System enabled.

If you slip on a banana, and are about to spin out, hit the brakes. You will stop (not spin out), a music note inside a balloon will appear next to your driver, and you will have saved yourself a lot of time.