So a former team member and I were having a discussion on why it is that high rpm engines seem to be ideal for racing applications. I understand the fact that the longer you can maintain your torque into the rev range the better. But with all else being equal it seems to be that short stroke, lower torque, high rpm engines seem to be the ideal choice. I've always understood the fact that for towing applications you would want a long stroke so that each power cycle produces a higher amount of torque and your engine doesn't have to be screaming to get moving. However I've never been able to wrap my head around why it goes the other way.
Does it come down to gearing restrictions where if the high torque/low rev motor is geared high enough then power delivery becomes very rough and throttle response is decreased?
Just interested to hear other members thoughts on this point.