I'll pretty much echo previous replies w/out the exact details.

Shorter, more oval tracks it's more important to be at/near the front. Last straight away is very short and doesn't leave enough time to make up much ground. Battles for the lead are important, some can get parked outside. Sometimes a trip on the rail right behind leader can be good, but they can get trapped w/ no where to go until too late.

Maywood Park in Chicago is an example.