Last 3 times we've gone Sand Road, I've won every time just by holding onto a triple boost wisp. Seriously, that normally mid item is god-tier there.
Also, for anyone still having trouble with the boost jump in Crystal Mine, there's a slightly big bump right at the jump, and you want to wait until AFTER that bump and turn sharp into it.
Might post a webm of that later if I figure out how to record on the Steam Dick. Got work first.