For race, you would want exatcly "low energy glider", competitions are not flown at vne & FL180. I wouldn't call V3 that, but if it will come out as good climbing glider it is a winner. Historically, almost all really succesful gliders are best climbers in it's class ( Discus, V2, LS8 etc.) Haven't had chance to compare my ASG29 to V3 yet but i do think that JS3's are not better (with 15m tips). With 18m wings it might be different story.