Why is Poteet and Main going for the big prize using such a small engine?
My thought is that the engine can make the power needed and is much easier to control bringing the power on over the run vs. a larger engine or one that doesn't have a turbo as the power adder. Also a larger motor might mean more frontal area?
Running over 400 is all about acceleration not just speed. At the drag strip they manage the traction over the entire run and these guys running over 400 have to do the same. Overpower the track and you waste valuable time peddling the car. I think George is pretty much WOT most of the run and the computer controlling the engine, waste gates and traction control keeps the car accelerating at about the fastest available rate.
Other cars have run and are running with probably more HP, but they can't use it all and have a harder time using what they have as effectively,
I think Rob with Carbinite is taking this to the next level with a lighter car and his variable aero traction via the rear wing. It is going to take some time probably to get it all right but having the turbo and a lighter car that still has the potential for good traction has a lot going for it. I'm not sure how sophisticated his computer control of the power delivery is at this point or if it is primarily his butt and right foot. Speed Demon has the power delivery dialed in pretty darn good now. I feel there next hurdle is going to be increasing the traction needed and possibly then needing more HP which might mean a larger motor,
Sum