Here is my take on it.  If you focus your items on the racer with the highest VR, you will get positive points just for finishing in front of that person.  So it makes sense to target one specific racer.  At the very least, if lesser racers finish in front of you, just by finishing in front of the one with high VR you will at least break even. 
 
I usually play the random online races and this is my strategy, focus on the one with the highest VR and do everything possible to take him/her out.  What do you think?

I just try to win. That seems to work out well.

I don't know what VR is, so I'm not understanding, but your tactic sounds brutal, unfair, and awesome. Good job!

I think instead of worry about VR, you should instead focus on getting first.

" I don't know what VR is, so I'm not understanding, but your tactic sounds brutal, unfair, and awesome. Good job! "