The unpatched version of the game has a bug that lets you start a race at maximum speed.

Here is someone's video showing it:

Should this be permitted in speedruns or not?

I mean guess it could be its own category as my own game wouldn't run very well without patches, plus that was only one lap from standing start so an actual 4 laps would be similar time for 1 lap as you cross the finish line at max speed

Getting a boost of speed at the start is extra useful in Championship mode because you can get to the head of the pack quickly and not have to deal with dodging the AI racers.

I think I'd prefer the glitch not be allowed, getting the unpatched version of the game and getting it running is hard to do.

That's true, getting past the AI is important in every race. I can see myself though instantly hitting another AI and doing the full crash animation lol.

I agree, glitchless championship runs are the go :)