[zipper]

I’m going to go on a limb and say that the torque of an electric motor is max at zero RPMs

I hope it's a strong limb, because I'm out there with you! The same horsepower at all rpm.

That's why the 0-60 speed is so quick, despite the bike's heavy weight -- max power availability all the time. Also easier on the drive train, since it can be designed for a single-figure constant strain, without torque variation and power pulses. The track times can be quicker with a motor that has less overall power compared to the liquid-fuel competitors, provided the bike weights are comparable.

[mamelukesabre]

That all makes sense. But what I don’t understand then is this...internal combustion engines that most closely resemble the power output characteristics of electric motors should also see these same advantages. That means that diesel motors should reign supreme in a drag race. THEY DON’T.

The next closest thing to electric motors would be large displacement-small number of cylinder engines of old fashioned design. For instance, the old “johnny poppers” of john deere tractors from 75 years ago. Or...harley davidson motors. Or...WWII vintage radial aircraft engines. These are all engines designed with the very same advantages you are touting in electric motors.

The only thing I can think of is the strength of the shafts in High RPM situations is much less. Nothing snaps shafts and breaks gears faster than low RPM torque. Heavier drivetrains means slower acceleration...in two ways. The vehicle weighs more, so it accelerates down the strip slower, but also, the rotational inertia is greater, which drags down the motor when trying to “spin up” to speed.