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There is no rounding errors for engine speed, mechanically the engine will be turning over at a higher RPM. That 50RPM at 3800rpm is almost 100rpm at 7000rpm. The car with the shorter tire will have a higher average RPM. The car makes more power at higher RPM resulting in higher average horsepower on course.
You haven't added the more advantageous torque multiplier the shorter tire gives you. Yes, that is small too, but compounded with the higher RPM/power output, the car will apply more power to the ground compared to a taller geared car. Even a little more power is still more power.
In an autocross you're on the throttle like 80+% of the time. Given the choice between a car that accelerates slower or faster, what would you take?
Thousandths add up to hundredths. Hundredths add up to tenths. This can be the difference between a win and a loss. No one who takes autocrossing seriously would turn down an opportunity to off some time.
I'm not saying 235/40 is better than 245/40, they both have their pros and cons, but to say that an acceleration advantage doesn't matter or is of no benefit is nonsensical.
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