There was a lot of racing of course. But not a lot of position changes. For example, you would not be able to hold off Warmachine, who was faster, for an entire race at Laguna. Wider tracks with more racing line options will generally allow drivers more passing options.
But yes, if you want to be able to hold off drivers for multiple laps, then the narrow tracks like Atlanta will allow that. Which will somewhat artificially keep the majority of the field close. Especially in reverse grid situations.