I don't remember it being so long. I also remember I finished it on my 2nd or 3rd attempt. I played it again last year after, oh God more than a dozen of years without ever seeing it, playing casually with friends at home, and just finished it again without any trouble.
Of course, playing for score would be another thing. But the game is pretty easy IMO. Much different from the other racing game from the same guy, All Terrain Race. This one is tough as nails
And I also wasn't around when people played Nitro on the comp.