I can't replicate it though. Either they shake me off like nothing, I don't seem to have the grip to hook them, or they magically recover and speed away.Yes and yes. Especially if they turn you into the siderail, effectively locking you, you're toast. Works both ways though.
You don't have to as long as you don't put yourself in a position where they can do it to you. If they come up from behind, outright block them. Also takes away their speed. If you're the one coming up from behind, make sure it's in a place where you have some wiggle room. On the C1 it can be tricky because it's narrow, curvy and a lot of traffic. But it's also the place where you can trick them into a mistake more easily. As for scumbag tactics: this ís a fighting game in racing game disguise. Some of the lore even tells you that everything is allowed if it gives you a win.
So don't feel bad about forcing your opponent into traffic and/or a wall. 
Especially some of the bosses which have some crazy advantages over you.
That's the main thing to keep in mind. This isn't sim racing or legitimate motorsports with clear rules, it's unsanctioned anything-goes street racing where nobody cares how you win, just if you win. We are bringing in cars with giant nitrous tanks 1000+ horsepower engines and quasi-magical powers that change the conditions of how a winner is determined, after all.As for scumbag tactics: this ís a fighting game in racing game disguise. Some of the lore even tells you that everything is allowed if it gives you a win.
True! And while it ís possible to race cleanly with most of the rivals you encounter, I think it's very hard with some of the later bosses, because they have such a big advantage over you in terms of pure speed, unlimited nitrous, regeneration, etc. And car choice matters a lot, esp. later on.
