Yes, "not flying" isn't really a replacement for "flying," but I will admit to have overlooked original SMK mechanics, mostly because I was trying to imagine a situation in which drivers who were wiping out would not impede the poor people who they might run into. Isn't the point of the star item to enjoy a rapid advance without colliding with other players? Rather, ramming other players is the preferred strategy.
In the end though, I think this track is just too narrow to do Mario Kart justice.