you hear all the v8 guys bragging about how much power there engines are and all inline sixes are boat anchores, try a race at circle tracks straight sixes will win, it is not about hp but torque that will win the race.

 

Anything over a quarter mile oval and the sixes will not be competitive, all other engine mods being equal. The strong bottom end torque of a long stroke six and the improved weight distribution of a car with a setback six-powered powertrain will be an advantage on a short track of less than a quarter mile. But lengthen the straightaways and let the V8 begin to breath and rev and they will run down that inline before it enters turn 1.

I love inlines, but the reality is they cannot keep up on larger ovals.

 

Agree, the 302 V8 develops equal torque compared to the inline 300-6, but at 400 greater rpm. At higher ground speed where the vehicle has the length of straight track to accelerate, the V8 will out run the I6.