At the end of each cup, the Award Ceremony for the top three racers in the cup is held outside Peach's Castle as it is seen in Super Mario 64. This is not a unique, inaccessible area, but can actually be found in Royal Raceway, popularly featuring an open pathway allowing you to drive around the starting area of Super Mario 64. However, this area is also not a shortcut and you must return to the racetrack if you want to continue the race. Alternatively, you can fall in the castle's moat, causing Lakitu to pull you out and return you to the racetrack.