I find being the fastest guy is beneicial also. It builds confidence when you do lead a race. It is important to know that you can lead and win. If you are the fastest guy at your track work to make sure you stay consistant each and every run. If you have tranponders work to make every lap within a sec of your fastest lap with no mistakes. These are little things you can do to challange yourself. Just as racing with faster guys help you push yourself to go faster being fastest teaches you confidence.