Once you break everything down and max out your driving skills, max out the tires, max out the suspension, and max out your engine, it all comes down to " HORSEPOWER WINS RACES" I am running stock kade24 with just your basic boltons with almost all suspension done and sure I can keep up with Evo's and Mini Copper S's, and Corvettes in the corners but once we hit the straight aways, I get smoked hard. And if you go head to head with a guy that has the same skill as you or maybe even a little less skill but has more power, he will beat you.
Although you could catch up to them in the corners, they will most likely gain more ground on you on the straight away than you can make up in the corners.
Trust me, I am all about corners, but there comes a certain time when you just need more power.