The very top racers will need fewer laps than us casual players simply because the wheel is in their hands more often. When I was in a series with outlaw, Aderrm and turboR1600, they practiced almost every night. I only had time to practice a few. They can much more quickly get a feel for a new car and a new track because of both their seat time and abilities. If you want to drive like an Alien, you need to put in the time.
Real world racing is the exact same way. The guy who consistently kicks by butt at Mid Ohio, only races at Mid Ohio and does ten events a year there. I only do four.