After playing the game for awhile I was able to deal with this slow-paced game because when I look at the whole picture it makes sense.  This game has some pop-up issues but nothing that makes too much of a difference because the characters aren't blazing through the levels.
What this game excels at is the clarity and quality of the music as well as the controls.  All of the music in this game is voiced and suits each stage nicely.  Something that most games lack is control. Whenever I play Sonic R I do not feel as if I am fighting some force but am flowing with the character which is what we gamers want to do.

There are 4 initial stages ( Resort Island, Radical City, Regal Ruin, Reactive Factory ) which you can race in any order you want and can even change characters after each race.  The designs of the levels are marvelously represented from the Sonic universe but you don't get to enjoy them as much because the draw-in is minimal.  The only stage I had a big concern with was Regal Ruin.  This stage has a lot of tight corners with high walls which no other level has.  To race these 4 levels you will start with 4 characters: Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy.  Dr. Robotnik and 4 others are unlockable.  After you place 1st in the initial stages the final stage, Radiant Emerald, will be available.  When all is said and done Sonic R an enjoyable but short racing game.  Except for the secret routes you can enter once you have enough rings and the 4 challenges to unlock the secret characters I leave this game! wanting more interactivity and more levels.  If Sega is ever to have a sequel to this game these two issues must be addressed.