Selecting Next Race forces player into Spectator Mode and cannot exit with T

After finishing a race and choosing Next Race on the post-race screen, a new one-minute countdown begins but the player is immediately put into Spectator Mode. Pressing T does not exit Spectator Mode, and in some attempts the ESC menu option to exit spectator mode does not appear for a long time or at all. This prevents normal participation in the next race.

1. Complete a race normally.
2. On the post-race results screen, select Next Race.
3. Wait for the next race countdown to start.
4. Observe that the player is placed into Spectator Mode.
5. Press T to attempt to exit Spectator Mode.
6. Open the ESC menu and check whether Exit Spectator Mode is available.

After selecting Next Race, the player should remain in a playable state (or be properly re-possessed at race start), be able to control their vehicle when the next race begins, and XP/rewards/upgrades should carry over normally.

Version live: cl111-lifecycle-fullcook-20261002-r1

Title:
Player is forced into Spectator Mode when advancing to the next race

Category: Gameplay / Multiplayer
Severity: High

Description

After completing a race, selecting Next Race starts another one-minute countdown, but the player is immediately placed into Spectator Mode again.

The same Spectator Mode issue occurs: pressing T does not exit it.
After several attempts, the option to exit spectator mode still doesn't appear in the ESC menu.

Steps to reproduce
Complete a race normally.
At the post-race screen, select Next Race.
Wait for the next race countdown.
Observe the player entering Spectator Mode.
Press T to exit Spectator Mode.
Actual result
Player is placed into Spectator Mode instead of remaining in the playable state.
T does not exit Spectator Mode.
The player must use Esc → Exit Spectator Mode.
Expected result

After selecting Next Race, the player should remain in the playable state and be able to participate normally when the next race begins.

Previously earned XP and race rewards/upgrades should also carry over normally.