It's way too linear, I expect they should be able to make it more free roaming with different groups to work into and making it more like an RPG for those who like storylines, cross the racing with GTA type open endedness.
Also racing to then unlock a part I have to pay for is not my idea of fun, give me Hot Rod anyday you buy what you can afford no BS tech tree progression. Maybe have some "new" tech come onto the scene as you get in later in the game but have all the basics available right there and the hidden stuff not seen, like a back of the shop kind of deal. I haven't seen a shop refuse to sell a part to anyone because they "haven't beaten number 13 yet" so why should we allow developers to make such a stupid copout?
You should be able to race for however much you want, why limit to a set amount of winnings? that's not street racing that's organised competition with set limits, street racing is about haggling how much you're going to win or lose in the end even if it is your car.
Too bad you can't drift and get style points but i have the ole lexus still and she drifts nicely at 110 into a 90 degree corner you just have to throw the weight around and work the handbrake. I actually drive better with low handling settings, I like my cars unstable and find I often drive into a corner way to fast when I have good grip and hit the inside whereas with loose suspension I can just throw it in slide a bit and know it isn't going anywhere near the guard rail and just over correct a little.