HP vs. laptimes vs. driveability/fun

[ERA 626]

I am sure someone has posted a version of this before but here we go... Recently some posted about how proud he was about having 750HP and only pressing the gas pedal half way... That's exactly what I want to debate here.

I race Karts on a competitive level. I race a stock moto 125cc honda (NCKroadracing.com my videos can be seen there). Our lap times at Laguna seca are around 1:36 and our lap times at Sears Point are around 1:45 just to give you an Idea of what we do..They often put us together with the super karts (250cc and above) The 125cc guys usually (i say usually because there some rare occasions) smoke the super karts largely because of handling, braking and usable power. The analogy I am referring too is very similar to the 289 cars vs. the 427 cars.

The 289 cars would constantly beat the 427 cars because the 427 cars would not be able to manage the HP to the track and spin the tires. In other words the 289 cars would smoke the 427 cars much like the 125cc karts smoke the 250cc karts. Assuming driving skills are equal.

I find it entertaining that some guys love to brag about how much HP they have while they have no idea why they built a street novice driven car with 700+ HP maybe they just enjoy bragging and deal with a car that is much slower and less fun to drive than a 450 HP car that is set up properly. A car that is not manageable on the street much less the track.

I get it, It is fun to have 700-800HP in a 2400lb car and brag to your buddies until a 289 car comes up and puts an ass whuppin on you... then what... LOL

I want to be able to push my car and my driving skills to a point where I am having fun with out spinning my tires and swapping ends while a miata blows past me... just saying... thoughts?