PolyTrack Summer 2 Coastal Sprint: long-stretch acceleration and return strategy
Coastal Sprint is this site’s Summer 2, an easy summer coastal route with a 14-metre road. Its long opening gives way to bends that need attention. “Sprint” does not mean you can hold nitro for the entire lap.
PolyTrack driving guide editors · Updated
The two halves require different rhythms
Leave the start toward the map’s top on a long section, then open gradually to the right. The far upper-right arc returns down the right before turning inward. The road extends downward again and returns to the start from the lower left. It is not a simple oval: watch the right-side direction changes.
The route’s height ranges from 0 to 4 metres, with gentle changes. Its tags include straights and curves. An overhead map helps you remember directions, but map distance alone cannot tell you when to brake at your current speed. Complete a learning lap first.
Practise starting and releasing nitro on the opening stretch
Accelerate after the countdown and let the car move forward before using Shift or Space with throttle; on a phone, use lightning. Try releasing nitro before the road bends clearly right, leaving time to steer.
Compare different short boost durations on the opening stretch. First test whether a small boost still lets you enter the bend smoothly. If you repeatedly leave the road, boost for less time and release throttle earlier. Build the comparison around your own steady finishes.
Do not carry excessive speed into the far end and right return
After the upper-right arc, the road comes down the right and turns inward. Too much opening acceleration leaves you extra work here. Release throttle or brake when the exit changes direction, then let the car follow it instead of combining continuous nitro and steering.
The inward middle bend is followed by another downward stretch. Hugging the inside of the first return can make the next correction rushed. Begin near the road centre, learn both exits, then gradually adjust your line.
Finish the checkpoints and the whole return
After the inner section, the route travels below the start and returns from the lower left. The finish may look nearby, but follow the remaining road and checkpoints. Crossing open ground straight toward the line does not replace an ordered finish.
Consider any remaining energy only once the last exit is aligned. Normal driving still works with an empty energy bar. Finish a nearly complete practice lap rather than restarting solely because you have no boost; its mistake locations give you useful information.
Use what you learned on the next route
Compare three laps: learn the route without nitro, boost only on the opening on the next lap, then try acceleration after the final exit. Keep the same mode and note penalties as well as time. Higher entry speeds may require earlier throttle release.
Return to Forest Passage for linked turns or try Redrock Canyon for denser direction changes. In this site’s Track Wiki, Summer 2 is Coastal Sprint and Summer 3 is City Night Race. Search those numbers to choose your next route.
Read next: Faster PolyTrack laps: corners, nitro and energy rings →
Read the obstacle, then choose a clear side
Orange markers on the map show obstacles. The table lists their occupied road sides in driving order. Left and right are relative to your driving direction. Learn the open lane first, then try increasing your speed.
The same track has the same number of obstacles in the same positions on every attempt. Solo driving and every system strength level use this layout, so routes and lap times can be compared fairly. system strength changes the opponent’s driving speed.
| Distance from the start | Occupied side | Clear passing side |
|---|---|---|
| About 59 m | Left | Right |
| About 183 m | Left | Right |
| About 298 m | Left | Right |
| About 425 m | Left | Right |
| About 667 m | Right | Left |
| About 793 m | Right | Left |
Return to the track and practise one skill
Keep the same track and mode, change one action, and see whether your next lap is steadier. If you need help, describe the bend and your controls in the driver comments.