There is a big difference between Fast and Quick. Fast is mph and is a funtion of horsepower and gears do nothing to help horsepower. However quick is a funtion of time, torque and and gearing. Because gearing mutiplies torque. In drag racing fast does not win, quick does. And I have seen quick beat gross horespower many times. The rider will also have something to do with the race also, his reaction times, his feel for the machine and his ability to get the most out of his equipment. I have seen a great equipment and a so-so driver lose, but a great driver win with so-so equipment. The numbers don't tell the whole story.