long gears is a myth. it really depends on how far ou are racing. like for example....if your friend has a short gear ratio...he might have to shift four times...where as with a longer gear ratio...he would have to shift three times for that distance. the three shifts should help out the longer ratio but for accerleration wise the shorter gearing will always win...unless you have so much power that you spin like crazy but i know this isnt the fact since this is a d series car. a short gear ratio car will always win assuming no traction problems. whether it is turbo or not. with the shorter geqars you are more in your power band