Championship PRO-AM premise is simple: you drive a car around something like 30 tracks, trying to finish in third place or better on each course so that you can advance to the next. The number of laps varies, as does the shape of a given course, but there are typically somewhere around three laps and there are only around six different course patterns.

First, there are the hazards to consider. Even the first track has some. They range from rain clouds (run through their puddles and you're slowed to a crawl) to oil slicks (they set you spinning and you'll likely turn into a heap of metal after colliding with a nearby wall). Later on, there are even new threats like metal barriers that pop up out of the road at set points. These odd little threats mean that even if a track's shape looks familiar, the dangers you'll face will soon set things apart.

It's not just the obstacles you have to watch for, though; along the way you can grab a bundle of goodies that are absolutely essential to your success. First, there are the vehicle upgrades, which improve your current ride in three areas (tires, top speed, and acceleration). These are placed about the track in fairly consistent locations that usually involve driving a set path. Pass over one and it's added to your inventory, while on-screen your vehicle gets an extra little burst of speed that can sometimes mean the difference between a first-place victory and total failure. Even if you're missing your upgrades as you advance, your opponents surely are not. Therefore, memorization plays a key role.

Besides upgrades to your vehicle, you'll also find a number of other items. One is a roll cage that grants you temporary invulnerability. Because most tracks are quite short, you'll usually get to enjoy it for around two laps. When you grab it, your vehicle will start glowing and you can push your opponents off the road with glee. Unfortunately, they can beat you to the goods and return the favor.

More important than the roll cages, though, are your missiles, bombs and ammunition. Early on, you'll find a missile icon lying on the road. Pick it up and you can fire five. Alternatively, you can save your shots for when you need them most, and also pick up the stars that litter the track. Each adds one more shot to your stockpile. Later in the game, you will also find bombs lying in the road, which work great when opponents are coming up from behind. The problem is that the game doesn't let you choose your poison. If you pick up a bomb icon, all your ammunition switches to the sort that falls out your butt. Depending on your playing style, you may well find yourself cursing when you accidentally brush against a bomb and can no longer fire shots at the fellow just a few feet ahead of you. Later in the game, there are objects lying in the road that alternate between skulls and stars, and you'll want to run over them only when they're the latter, or else watch your stock of ammunition plummet.

Championship Pro-Am features:

• 24 tracks
• Power-ups to enhance your vehicle
• Weapons to take out the competition
• Watch out for obstacles
• One-player only

If you think you've got the driving skills to take on the best in the world, then get ready for Championship Pro-Am for the Sega Genesis. Hop in your high-speed racing machine and prepare yourself for 24 of the most challenging tracks you've ever seen. In addition to avoiding the five other vehicles on the track, you'll also have to watch out for oil slicks, water, and pop-up walls. As you race, you can pick up various Turbo, Top Speed, and Sticky Tire power-ups that appear randomly on each track that will give you that extra edge you'll need to win. And if you just can't seem to beat the competition on racing skills alone, snag the Missiles and Bombs that will make your life a whole lot easier. If you're up to the challenge, get Championship Pro-Am and give it a spin.