When Blantyre 2 was built the starting gate was at the halway line on the straight. When Ivan Mauger visited pre-season he advised that the gate be moved back nearer turn four for the exact reasons you stated and also saving a long run to the line.
You better let Neila know, there must be plenty of spiders in the Worky cabinet or maybe even woodworm. Glasgow supporter know all about our history and appreciate what the Facenna family did and do for us.