Three ways to make the in-level checkpoint stand out. Same scene in each, animated the way it would run in the game.
A tall neon gateway you run through: two glowing pillars, a lit crossbar, a bouncing ? medallion and a spotlight column. Visible from far down the track.
Keeps the ring gate but adds a trail of gold chevrons along the track, a pulsing glow and a "QUESTION AHEAD!" banner that slides in as you get close (plus a chime in the real game).
A friendly brain-bot planted at each gate, bouncing and waving at you, holding a sign with a big ? and the question count (1 of 3). Playful and impossible to miss.
They mix well — for example the arch plus the approach chime. Tell me which one (or which combination) and I'll apply it to the real gates.