Balance is basically grip. The higher means the less it will slide around. Also there are hidden stats that are not stated in the game such as hang time. Instead of explaining every stat, I shall leave this Also do not use Wind Walker until you master blast turning.
Very stylish artwork 👍👍
One suggestion for future inspiration:
A criticism I have regarding F-Zero artwork in general, as nice as some of it is, is that a lot of it is focused on drawing vehicles and characters, but not so much on the experience you have playing the game. Meaning images of vehicles racing on the tracks that convey the sense of speed, intensity and focus. I guess that's just harder to draw. Seeing how you are obviously a great graphic artist, maybe that's something you could take on somewhere dosn the line.
http://www.romstation.fr/romstation/resources/games/n64/cover/37483.jpg?1399573309
Will see if I can find a few more examples on my computer later on.