After playing the Steam version of the game, I can actually offer real feedback now.
The rival system in all states is great. Beat rival in state A, then with new car beat rival in state B and it goes on and on.
My favourite part of the game was the race event. I even finished 1st with the default car! It was pretty fun playing trough the game and unlocking all of it's Steam achievements.
I would recommend adding another bonus state or even a harder race event!
I am very close to buying ID2000 because of this game. I really hope the series does well!
Also, why not update the NG release of the game?