[scottj]

In steady-state cornering, such as a skidpad, the heavier end will lose traction first, everything else being equal. Road racing is more about transitions than steady state cornering. Since heavy braking transfers weight to the front tires, road race setups favor a static rear weight bias to counter weight transfer that would otherwise result in a turn-in push. Rear bias also helps forward bite off the corner. Being a short wheelbase car increases weight transfer.