lighter wheels do they really help out?

[IDCoconut]

Here's my question. Is a lighter car always faster when racing downhill against a heavier one?

If it's the same car, with the same amount of power, same gearing, and same wheels and tires, but with a difference of a fatass in one and a lindsey lohan on the other, then the lighter car wins. The only difference is the heavier car has more momentum at the same speed compared to the lighter car, meaning it will be harder to stop.

Don't think free-fall here. That's just one factor. Your car's acceleration is a BIG factor and a lighter car with the same amount of power and gearing as another will always accelerate faster. Considering you have 2 "perfect" drivers.