After EVERY race you are awarded coins which you earn in the race - these are paid to you by your sponsors. You can elect to view a video and double the amount of coins - if you do not wish to watch it (or play it and stare out the window for 15 - 30 seconds) thats OK - you will still get paid some coins
If you want to see how your are doing in the tournament - look at the leaderboard - this is where the action is. If your score at the end of the tournament is in the top qualifying category you are awarded a prize based on your position on the tournament leaderboard
Just to be clear - you do not win any special prizes for coming first - second or third in an individual tournament race - the focus is on your score and your position on the tournament leaderboard.