She is 'racing against the clock' to be sure the assignment is handed in on time.
Her mind was 'racing'. [=she had many thoughts going quickly through her mind]
Researchers are 'racing (against time)' to find a cure.
(..) (Rapunzel sings When will my life begin) *Just smell the grass, the dirt. Just like I dreamed they'd be.* *For like the first time ever, I'm completely free.* *I could go running, and racing, and dancing... *and chasing, and leaping and bounding.* *Hair flying, heart pounding (..)2010 Tangled