Diddy and Dixie were in the direct well before actually being highlighted on-screen. Dixie is standing near the "2" tier with Diddy just slightly out of view, their faces are embossed on the giant cup on the checkpoint barrel, and Diddy & Dixie Double Trouble is printed on the raceway looking structure.

The 1-3 tiers Cranky is sitting on are maybe meant to be a reference to his video game heroes awards in DKC2 too.