NFS the run - freezes PS3

just picked up NFS the run over the holidays.  Challanges, and first part of "the run" story work great all up to, El Capitan Road segment.  Everytime i hit that, i get the standard intro to a segment, then the console freezes, sound stutters and the only way out is to power down.

I've tried deleting the saved data and replaying the storyline with a different car and different skill level, but crashes in the same spot every time.  I'm on my third disc, explaining to the retailer that the software was at fault, now it looks line incompatitiblity with my original series, 60gb fatboy PS3.

Any suggestions on how to make it work, do the graphics change at that point in the programming?  PS3 is HDMI feeding a HD TV 1080i signal.

appreciate any help