I love the concept of this map but where I think it struggles is the chance that it will enter a stalemate condition.

If the players are trying to keep things even between them the board can get into a position where A can attack B but not C, B can attack C but not A, and C can attack A but not B. With the low card trade-in value the tendency is to defend because there's no incentive to earn cards.

Fix the stalemate (increased cards or a capital scheme like 3-Legged Race employs) and the rating goes to 9 or 10.

3 player maps are the hardest maps to make and even harder to make well. I am a big fan of this map. The elegance of it is in it's simplicity. The addition of the fortify to any connecting with unlimited fortifies allows you to regroup after a bonus buster and also allows you to really utilize the choke points to their fullest. Try to save your biggest bonus or regroup so a smaller choke point but have a larger defense? That is up to you and this map lets you make the choice. The card scale is just enough to make it interesting without ever deciding the game in and of itself (big props). Unlike the map would appear, it's not really a sprint but you can play it that way (please join a game with me if you do choose to play that way).
As far as the graphics, I like them. Pretty and Artsy isn't always the best choice (see most of my maps for example). Yes, it's nice to have pretty maps but when the graphics work, they just work and that's the case here. If you don't play this because they are all the same car or because it was totally drawn and not just stolen images than you are missing out and I suggest a nice game of basic Risk for you (the circle version).
See, a simple map has encouraged me to write all these words so it must be worth playing! Nicely done!!!

Godd map, fast play and agrssivity are valued.

I'll go one less than the Mongrel/Alpha love fest. It's pretty as well.

It seems that a board in this style should have been created already; if so, it didn't leave an impression quite like DATR has. I love boards where the play, not just picture, fit the theme. This board encourages racing for a bonus, and I haven't seen a stalemate yet. As with any Alpha map, it's not the most eye popping, but the effort spent making it look pretty is replaced by sound, well tested, well thought-out play. I can't think of any way this board might be improved. 3 players is just right, and the starting unit levels match the bonus growth. The card cycle is appropriate. Unlimited fortifies within connected components, an often misused feature, is perfect here. He's making a name for himself as a board fixer, and DATR is a start-to-finish solo project that I could see myself playing many times over. In fact, I'm starting one right now...