Thanks for taking the time for such detailed feedback!
In terms of intended play, the strategy you mentioned is perfectly viable. The first two cars are easily chasable (the player has a higher max speed than the AI, plus can boost with spin), but for the last two it can be a grind to just do it all lap by lap, but let them just come to you.
Also, two music tracks in a week-long jam is asking a lot of a solo developer. ;)