Is it optimal to go through the traps right at peak power? or is it better to go through a little after, say 300-400 rpms after?

 

You want to be going through at peak power. Revving higher than that is simply rough on equipment.

 

At the top end you should be going through the traps at or a little after.

My shift light comes on at 6800 and I cross the finish line at 6800. I should really be crossing the finish at around 7000. It all really depends on the hp curve since the torque really drops at high rpm.