What is the origin of the idiom "fast track" and when to use it?

The idiom "fast track" has its origins in the world of horse racing. A "fast track" referred to a racetrack in optimal condition, where the surface was smooth and hard, allowing horses to run at their best speed. In a figurative sense, it is used to describe processes or methods that expedite progress or enable something to be completed more quickly than usual. It signifies a streamlined approach or an accelerated route to achieve a goal, often bypassing certain steps or obstacles.