You can also unlock Dry Bowser by playing 4,350 races and/or battles. This will likely take a long time, so if you really want Dry Bowser you’re going to have to get the Star ratings. In Mario Kart 8 (Wii U), Dry Bowser is a downloadable extra character (DLC) that can be purchased from Nintendo. [2] X Research source

Beat the Mushroom and Flower Cups to unlock the Star Cup. Beat the Shell and Banana Cups to unlock the Leaf Cup. Beat the Star Cup to unlock the Special Cup. Beat the Leaf Cup to unlock the Lightning Cup.

Avoid going off the road as much as possible as well.

Babies (Peach, Mario,Luigi, or Daisy), Rosalina, and other small characters are best for speed with the bullet bike or Mini Beast.