Well, just to reiterate what a few have said...racing is mental. Most of the people that do well racing are dedicated to learning. They are usually meticulous in their preparation. I think, for those people that have dedication, that really just exemplifies their general demeanor. It may appear that they are well off in their away-from-the-track lives because they consistently dedicate their attention to what they are doing at that moment. So I can see where there would be a perception of a relation between the two. Practice means nothing if you don't learn from it. I, too, have seen people practice forever and never gain anything. I also know some people who strive to learn what can make them go faster while away from the track...and when they bring it, they bring it.