Interesting bit - the original layouts were for Goodyear Racing - and other closed course stuff - for spectators.
I still have a full page of planforms of all the Goodyear racers from 1949- you can see and compare at a glance, the various setups --mostly short span.
Bear in mind - these were typically budget designs - using plywood tubing and cloth--
Manytimes, design changes are based on today's technologies ; composites, high strength metals etc...
For modelers - the early setups are designed like a model
Perfect!
My Cassut -- tho I am doing a 44% scale of the 15' version -- also could be done with very thin long wing as used on the newer racers flown at Reno.
The short span model can be turned extremely tight with no fear of snapping out.
A race plane -as you note - has to match the task---
Mine will be an aerobatic setup.
I have already played with various planforms - the stubby setup is excellent for my use.