Hi, RruthH!
More simplier is to code path code + some ai to select one path from number of available, depending on situation on the road (you have to place some pathes into the track level), i think. But this is a subject to discuss, as usual.
about "Wrong way". it depends from your game "core code" and level design. You can split road for parts; you can place "checkpoint" models with ordered numbers in skill along the road; you can check node numbers of nearest path; and so on. Your mind is the limit only. Well, lets sit and think.