buddy iv'e got exi prosmatic but hardly lost a race....
if you're to race, it depends upon the speed from where you're to go ON.
e.g if you're around or over 80KPH, then let it on "D" and simply start out by pushing the paddle straight to floor...
it's automatically shift to proper lower gear and you'll surelly feel the acceleration coming out of it.
while if youre on or below 50, the best way is to shift the lever to "D3" and then push your car, normally it would go to 2nd gear and boy when it'll shift to 3rd i bet your car will ROCK. that is one point where you take the lead while speeding from 80 - 120 KPH.
Remember to shift to D, without pressing the shift button when you're around 120...
don't let it go beyong 130 on D3, you know why!!!!
and to be honest, corolla has got more acceleration in the 0-70 range, if properly cruised you'll only have the chane to beat it atleast after 80 KPH.
Don't forget to use High Octane, it has better performance and better millage as well.