On my system, Death Track works fine at the default of 3000 cycles, frameskip 0. For cycleup/cycledown, I usually use 500/100, but those two have no impact on the performance of the game. At 9000 cycles (my own default), the game flickers badly.

Although it might be difficult to tell because DT has such an unresponsive control method and limited range of movement, I don't get lag at any setting.

If it really is slow on your system, try using the keyboard for control (if you weren't already) or choose another rendering output. I only ever use "surface", which may make some other forum regulars balk 😀. Tested "ddraw", which also works fine, but is a little blurry. Also tested "overlay", which slowed down the music but didn't noticeably affect the game.

Im sorry, you must've read my post wrong. Im playing Death Rally, not Death Track.

I think its okay starting 20000 cycles or so.
But as I stated in another post, i dont manage to get a smooth scrolling.
There is no lag, though.
I recommend you to use VDMsound, (you wont have filtered gfx though), it works perfect.