The races aren't rally all that difficult. Also, you don't need to place first in every race. All the races are for (for the most part) is to generate the revenue you need to acquire guns, armor, shields and other upgrades for you cars. So, you can keep coming in last place in every race, yet you'll still earn the revenue you need to upgrade your vehicles (though, not as much as if you come in first).
That is not true. The one race that counts is the competitive race where you have to gave a sponsor. That one you have to win otherwise you do not win the car that is required to go forward in the game by taking on a job with the Sheriff to deliver goods for him. And I have yet to win that race even on easy. I guess I am going to have to see if I can purchase a xbox controller for my PC so I can finish this game. Unless someone can find a console ~ command that lets me get the car without finishing the race. Any help out there. ( I am good with vehicle driving when it has been written with the mouse movement controlling the steering of the vehicle. but that does not happen often)