I've been trying to race in cockpit view but its not easy with the limited visibility you get from outside the car. Luckily replay has a ton of camera view options to choose from and I almost always pick cockpit or hood. The sense of speed is just too good.
I can't think of any direct competition to Playground Games in the open world racing space. But even if there was I think they'd still be on top. Whoever designed the tracks should be proud of his/her work. To be able to stitch together races this fun in such a vast open world is super impressive.
I am hoping the next Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown coming out next year is gonna be a great competitor.
I want to do cockpit view, but my god I can't stop looking at the environment, and that wipes out most of it.