Rusty,
In my drag racing days, we would do the same. If we needed to add ballast to make weight, it "usually" was mounted to rear frame rails, behind the rear axle.
But in any racing where you're "turning" (oval, auto-x or road course ... even spirited driving on curvy roads) ... you want as much weight concentrated in the center of the car ... versus out past either end of the axles.
I am very visual, so for me to digest things, I always need to see examples. Sometimes exaggerated examples make it the clearest for me. I can always imagine the concept as less, once I "see it".
Imagine ... or simply go do this ... having 50# of weight you're holding. Hold it out all the way with straight arms ... then "quickly" rotate it all the way left ... and then "quickly" back all the way to the right. Now tuck in close to your body & do the same.
When the weight is "out there" it is harder to get it moving ... and once it's moving, it is harder to get it to stop. Changing directions is hardest. With the weight tucked in close, it is "easier" to get it to do these things ... especially change directions.
When you think about running on an short oval, auto-x or road course track you are constantly asking the car to change directions & go ... quickly.
A car with the weight concentrated inside the wheelbase allows a car of the same weight as another car (let's say with more of its weight past the axles) to turn quicker ... and when traction is exceeded ... not snap the end around as hard & quick.
Sorry if this post rambled on & covered stuff you guys already knew.
Signing off,
Captain Obvious
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