This video gives you an idea of when the recommended gearing becomes more necessary. I have not talked to Devon about this video, and it is the opposite direction we were racing this past weekend, but to me it sounds like he is short-shifting into 5th on the back straight. My bike falls flat on its face as far as high RPM power, so I may have to try that too... But to Justin's point about 4th gear, listen for where Devon shifts from 4th to 5th in this video. It's before Turn 2, and he is WOT through turn 1. Until you're up to pace through (backward) turn 3, you'll be carrying 4th a lot longer. http://youtu.be/T1SZxfGoxq0