Circuit in Need for Speed: Carbon is a player versus player game mode along an enclosed 2-3 lap course.
The starting grid of all circuit races consists of seven rival racers (or three rival racers in the PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, and Wii releases) and the player. All participants have a chance to earn a 'Perfect Start' during the race countdown by hitting the optimal rev range before the countdown is completed.
There are 24 circuit events available through Quick Race and they all take place across various locations within the confines of Palmont City. An additional three circuits are available exclusively through the Challenge Series in the form of Collector's EditionRace Wars.