Sticks is not related to a class but related to the age of drivers or with other RC modelling like flying. These people are grown up with sticks.

But I know a guy who is using both and on tight tracks he is faster with sticks. When using a pistol transmitter most people steer with the full hand, that is a lot of weight slowing down the movement. Fast RC strivers with a pistol transmitter are only using the fingers. Using sticks will only use the thumb and for sure with short sticks it will give the fastest steer movement.