SPEED FREAK? How Dirt & Dust caught us by surprise

About Dirt & Dust, from BoardGameGeek:

In Dirt & Dust, players are rally drivers racing through dynamic stages at breakneck speeds. Every turn and acceleration is a thrilling test of skill and finesse, pushing both the car and the driver to their limits. At the start, each player holds five basic action cards along with five unique pilot cards. As the race unfolds, participants will acquire additional action cards to fine-tune their vehicles, adjust dampers, check tire pressure and geometry settings, or modify the active differential. Dice rolls determine each driver's ability to execute these actions, enhancing their chances of maintaining control on the challenging tracks. The journey kicks off along a stunning coastal road where breathtaking views are matched only by the treacherous hairpin turns. Next, players navigate the tight streets of a European city, mastering roundabouts and sharp corners. As they hone their racing skills, they'll be ready to tackle iconic races set in breathtaking mountain landscapes, shaded forest trails, and the exhilarating depths of nighttime racing. Dirt & Dust blends deck-building mechanisms with strategic dice placement, delivering an adrenaline-fueled rally surviving experience. Skillful driving is essential, but only those who can overcome obstacles and achieve better times than their opponents will triumph. -description from the publisher