does anyone feel like using the Icarus racer is almost cheating? It has 4/5 and 5/5 in the acceleration/speed categories, although it only has 2/5 shields so you have to swallow almost every power-up you get.

Yes, I have to agree with you. Whenever I just need to beat a race or tournament and don't really care about the enjoyment factor, I always go with Icarus. I think they should have given it worse handling or thrust, because as it is, it's simply too good. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think it has:

Handling: 3
Thrust: 4
Top Speed: 5
Shield: 2

yeah i think those stats are right. the only major negative is that you have to absorb almost every power-up since shields are very weak. It seems like of all the ships, there are only 3 or so that are actually any good..

Where is the ship?

Homie its downloadable content

icarus shields better than the zone shield. zone has a 1 on shields

Zone has 5 speed 5 handling 4 thrust and 1 shield.