I like horizon a ton but ive not touched it in about a week as the thought of having to drive somewhere just to get to an event puts me off i need time for a game like that, time a 30 year old dad hasn't got. Something driveclub caters for very well and look forward to pickign it up as soon as the server issues are sorted.
if you can accept a word of advice from an older dude than you
you can do exactly the same quick menu-jump-to-the-game thing in horizon too.
in fact, its much more elaborate while more analytical too at the same time.
just hit "start", then press three times the RB.
that should bring you to "RIVALS" menu, where everything is just a button press away:
you got an entire section with PERSONAL rivalries (ie your friend beat you at that event, press a button to beat his ghost), named "My Rivals".
then, right next to that, you've got your "FESTIVAL ROUTES" right next to it, offering DIRECT access to anything, anywhere. pick a location, and the list of events under that location is there for you to pick with a button.
but thats not all, because right next to that, is the "SHOWCASES" option, where again with the press of a button you immediately go to any showcase event.
Aaand on top of those, you've got the "MONTHLY RIVALS" on that same screen, where you can compete in the monthly rival events that playground sets. again, with the press of a button.
oh, and full analytical stats for everything you and your rivals do. on that same page.
plus of course, if you progress a little bit in the main game itself, pretty soon you will be able to fast travel anywhere in the world you like for free. its one of the progress unlocks.
but assuming you will never play to unlock this, you should just try going to that rivals menu I describe above for the functionality you ask for.