Toad

Toads are the citizens of the Mushroom Kingdom who evolved from fungus and formed societies around the Mushroom Kingdom which are seen in Super Mario Bros. 3. Their first appearance is in the original Super Mario Bros. as "Mushroom Retainers" who appear at the end of each world spouting the famous yet notorious phrase "Thank you Mario! But our Princess is in another castle!"

There is one Toad in particular (named Toad as appropriately) who stuck through with Mario and the Princess the whole time throughout their adventures and even journeyed with them through the dream world of Subcon during the events of Super Mario Bros. 2 where he had unbelievable strength that far surpassed Mario, Luigi, and Peach. Toad later received his own starring role in Wario's Woods where it was finally his turn to save the Mushroom Kingdom from Wario's powerful pursuit. Throughout the majority of the games in the series, Toad is portrayed mostly as a coward; however, he still does his best support Mario and his friends whenever he can through a variety of ways.

Toad returns to Mario Kart 7 as a lightweight racer, like he's always been ever since the original Super Mario Kart. Toad is once again a default playable racer who is available in the starting roster.