can't figure out why there is a 3 second delay before the game will late my car accelerate. i have the accelerator pressed down but the car just sits there revving until the clock it's 3.00 seconds...wtf? help.

Did you over rev your engine at start.

You're still in neutral. Shift into first gear when the flagger drops her arms or the lights on the tree drop to green. I know if you just punch the gas it'll rev in neutral forever till it moves you actually have to click the analog stick up to shift it into gear. Don't shift it into gear then smash the gas you'll false start, when the screen flashes "GO" then shift into gear. But if you want an added challege, shift into first and hold the clutch. When it ses "GO" release the clutch and mash.
Eventually you'll get used to your car and you'll be able to rip your oppenent out of the hole.