That piece of track being referenced here was a neccessary piece of track when it first opened. In the late 70's, brakes weren't as efficient, so they needed longer brake sections to slow it down. With improved technology, the section needed to slow the ride down is less.
...So why did they LENGTHEN Racer's brake runs.....
The FOF path could have easily gone under the bunnyhop, no need for it to be straight.