1. Purchase Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit
2. Download Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit
3. Install Need for Speed: Pursuit
4. Click Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit icon
5. Input CD key
6. Watch unskippable logos
7. Set up EA Online account
8. Input CD key again
9. Watch unskippable trailer for Shift 2
10. Watch unskippable explanation of Autolog
11. Select "Career Mode"
12. Watch unskippable introduction to the racing location
13. Watch unskippable explanation what "racing" is
14. Finally play Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit

spoiler (click to show/hide)
Luckily my mounting annoyance evaporated once step 12 was finally attained.