Simple physics regarding larger wheels/tires. The larger the outside diameter, the further you are from the center of the axle. Torque (what gets you going out of the gate) is Force times distance. Consider that you have a constant amount of torque availabe. If you increase the distance from the center of the axle to the road, then the force your tire exerts on the road MUST decrease. Also regarding the Toyo tires - at the race this past weekend (Mosport), the Toyo tires cost racers 2-3 seconds from last year (BFG's) because they are a harder compund and don't quite grip as well. On the other had, the racers liked the fact that they could race 3-4 times on these tires instead of the 1-1.5 times on the G Force rubber. They may be less sticky, but if everyone has to use the same tire, who cares, right?
Neither of these things should be an excuse for losing to an SE in 3rd, though.
