Dominated! Need for Speed ProStreet Race Tips 

You won't achieve stardom or lasting glory squeaking by with victories in Need for Speed™ ProStreet. The goal on Race Day isn't just to win, but to dominate, to prove to those you hope to topple that you're worthy of competing at their level. Take stock of the following tips and that day will come sooner rather than later.

Wear and tear will kill performance.

Feather the Pedal
The common impulse for racing gamers is to hit the accelerator full throttle or let go of it completely. But in Need for Speed ProStreet, you need to "massage" the accelerator (Right Trigger) before, during and after turns in order to maintain the highest possible top speed around corners. This is especially true during gentle turns and S-turns, where no major deceleration is required.

It's worth noting that this applies to braking as well. When you do need to hit the brake, pull the trigger down gently. If you jam on the brakes, you'll lose control of the vehicle and lose a lot of speed.

Damage Counts
Despite its exuberant, high-octane style, ProStreet isn't an out-and-out arcade game. Its physics are rooted in reality, and as such, car damage takes a serious toll on your ride's performance. Aggressive driving is fine when you're in the clear, but race with caution when you're surrounded by the opposition. You may lose a little time, but you'll make up for it and then some with your car racing at peak performance.

Time for nitrous.

Draft Time
Tapping your opponent's bumper is not a wise move. It might tweak your car and it will interrupt drafting, a technique that proves crucial to overtaking opponents, especially during the later, more challenging races.

Draft an opponent by pulling your car right behind another, and then slowly inch your way to within just a foot or two of the other car's bumper. Note that you may have to ease off the accelerator just a bit to make sure you don't ram into the back of the car. Once you're tucked firmly behind your opponent, wait until you're on a straightaway or a gentle curve, slide out to the left or right and jam on the accelerator. You'll slingshot right past. Give him a wave.

Burnouts
There is a brief period before every drag race where you're given a chance to heat up your tires with some aggressive burnouts. Succeeding here with a grip bonus can shave precious milliseconds off your overall time, and in drag racing, that's time well saved.

To succeed, brake and accelerate at the same time. This will move the meter up towards the green bar. Be careful, though. Don't let the meter creep into the red lines for more than a moment or two. The key here is holding the Left and Right Triggers for a second or so and then letting off for half a second before pulling down again. It's a delicate balancing act, but well worth practicing for the time it saves you.

A good burnout can obscure your opponent's vision.

Squeal Alarm
It may sound sweet to rip through a tight corner with your tires squealing, but you're really limiting top speed and seriously hindering acceleration when this happens. When your tires squeal, try easing off the accelerator until they stop, then slowly reapply the gas. Your goal is to take corners (especially the long, gentle curves) with no squeal at all.

Nitro Locations
Save your precious and explosive nitrous canisters for key moments during a race. Specifically, try employing nitrous when you first take the lead. This will provide you a nice cushion, allowing you to race without constant worry of being bumped off course. If you can, always save your last nitrous canister for the home stretch, where you can essentially guarantee victory even if an opponent creeps up on you at the end. Unless you're exceptionally skilled, avoid employing nitrous on any but the most gentle curves.

Prepare
Rushing from one Race Day to the next without a healthy visit to your garage is just asking for trouble. Take the time to upgrade your cars as well as make certain that you take the most powerful and appropriate vehicles to the next event.

Remember, your goal isn't just to win, but to Dominate, and if you have to return to your garage to fiddle with your upgrades or blueprints, you'll need to restart an entire Race Day.

Oh, it's got a Hemi, alright.

Clutch Drag
Should you find yourself consistently outperformed in drag races, chances are you're not using the clutch (LB) when shifting gears. True, you can shift using the right stick only, but you'll never earn the Perfect Shift bonus unless you use the clutch. Tap LB just before flicking up on the right stick for a bit of extra boost. Be sure to shift only when your RPM enters the green bars, or you'll sacrifice acceleration by shifting too early.

Group Identification
Many Grip races include two unique groups of competitors racing simultaneously. While everyone races together, the vehicles not associated with your group have no bearing on the outcome of your race. Pay close attention to your own group label, or you'll get confused.

Now with all that in mind, you're ready to get in the car, strap down, and flex that foot on the gas pedal. The flag is green. Go!

Article by Ryan Treit