[dd74]

There was a GT race at Laguna Seca last week, featuring an RX8 and several 997s and a couple V8 Pontiac GXPs (which were pretty awesome, btw). What was really striking was how easily the RX8 stayed up with the 997s. The Pontiacs were very fast on the straights but needed more brake and slower speeds to corner, where the 997s and RX8s caught up to the Pontiacs.

The question I have in all this is how can the RX8s seem as fast as they are in the straights, bearing down on the 997s, when they have at least 50 or more horsepower less? I'm not certain, but does GT allow engine modifications? I read somewhere that the RX8 engine is bone stock, but the car has a tube chassis. I also know the RX8 weighs less than the 997, but it still seems odd how they were really up the 997s rear throughout the majority of the race.

Anyone have any insight into this? Porsche won, btw, though I think victory came as a result of pit strategy.