TOPIC:

I downloaded the pre-installed game with all the cars, tracks etc. Everytime I start a new event in a series and "click" qualify or race it shows my desktop and than goes to the loading screen. Is there anything I can get or do to make it stop doing this and for the game to play smoother??

It might be because of your computer.
How old is your pc?
And does the game run fine when racing? If not, mess with the video settings in options

Well, if the game switches back then no harm no foul.

Yes the game plays fine, I'll have to check out the settings