Before all the electronics got used at the tracks like today I was usually driving a faster car, if the other racer red lighted I would leave as soon as I saw his red light and treat that run as a single and even let off at the first MPH light, lots of racers back then didn't know what we know today
I've had conversations with some of them later at the track and they didn't understand how I could out run them to the other end when they red lighted and I ran slower than my dial
Originally first or worse meant exactly that, if the first racer red lighted and the other racer didn't hit the guardrail or cross the center line he won just like all the national events rules are raced with today
As far as you under standing my comment about needing to drive better than the other racer on the starting line and finish line to win, think about that
Another thing to consider is what happens when the first driver red lights and the second driver red lights worst because he didn't see the other side red light and he crashes and ends up suing the track about that lack of information distribution on that run which could have help him not have to race at WOT and possibly helped prevent that crash
I think the only persons that are reaping benefits from this new type system is the companies selling those new system for more money to the tracks, NOT GOOD
Not all rule changes are good, just look at the Affordable Care Act