Grrr.. Do I really suck at this?

So I have had my PSP about a month now and I can't get past this one race on Ridge Racer. It is driving me nuts.. I get 4th place constantly no matter what I do and I have to place 3rd or better to progress..

This brings me to Halo 2. I played last night with the regular adults on Xbox Live and as soon as I join them we lose, lose, lose. I think I may need to find my inner 12yr old to be able to keep up with everyone else. How is it 12yr olds can play video games better than anyone? Then again, this is coming from a 35yr old who spends $400 on a PSP and videogames for it.