Mario Kart Wii: 2 players only?

[Agentbolt]

So a friend and I both own Mario Kart Wii, and we'd like to try a multiplayer game against each other.

However, when I create a room so we can play, I CANNOT find an option to change the number of players. So it ends up being just the two of us. When playing split-screen multiplayer in the same room, it always just automatically had all 12 racers, with 10 of them being AI. I want the AI players because a 2 player race is pretty boring.

Is there a way to play with my friend specifically while still having 10 other opponents? What am I missing here?

 

[UpgradeFailure]

The option is there, somewhere. I sold my copy last year, but I also hated all the AI. I changed it, but I don't recall on what screen. Just keep poking around. I think it was on the screen you picked your guys (there should be a sub menu icon or something?) but I dont recall. I guess that's no real help, but the option is there somewhere

 

[Agentbolt]

You're sure you're thinking of online multiplayer, and not local multiplayer? I know where the option is to turn the CPU guys OFF in local multiplayer, but I can't find any option to keep them there in online.