Greetings ari01. VirtuaRacing here.
Glad to see your getting sorted. As I said I always have sold to Richard. Amazing how much is hiding away in this game no matter how many times you play it.
Edit: Just to answer something else without any spoilers.
The game opens up more and more and more even to the point of being moved away to a far away land, but you will always be able to go back to where you have been via the shrines for a very long while yet.
There will be a time when things will change, but one of the NCP's will give you a good warning when this is going to happen with the option to go forwards or backwards until you are ready. Up until that point don't worry to much as your be well into the game by then.