PS2 Online Gaming

I just started playing this tonight and the tutorial didn't explain what the point of doing tricks is. Does anyone know?

I am missing the game manual for this game.

*Edit* Well after playing awhile it seems that it just gives you more credits at the end of the race that you can use to buy upgrades for cars and things. If there is any other purpose to the trick system let me know.

I don't believe there is any benefit to performing tricks outside of earning credits. It's been at least a year since I've played the game though, so don't quote me.

They're also cool...looking

Lol, well many times in races I am in the front of the pack and I decide to do a trick on a jump. Then I crash and lose the race haha. The risk of doing them doesn't seem worth the reward of extra credits.