Ok, that's BS and we know that, there is money exchanging hands here or EA wouldn't do it, simple economics. Microtrasactions is the key here and Boost (in-game name for cash) can be won, but is faster to buy. In order to get the basics needed for any real racing that you want to do, power-ups, car rentals (yes rentals) all require Boost. The game is tiered in a painfully slow way, ala WoW, to keep you grinding and paying out of course.
Free is still free though, and if you have nothing but time on your hands - you're a lucky bastard.
