Half of "the Danica Patrick story"...

I agree, the speed number is a better barometer of the HP because it removes the chassis and most of the gearing effect from the equation.

Re: "Not that Jim intentionally mislead Leo"

There's a line in a movie where someone is bragging about what a good pool player he is. He points to the acknowledged old master, and says "he taught me everything I know".
The master pauses and says "but... I didn't teach you everything I know".