On a dirt track it would be expected to see the optimization algorithm at some point start powersliding. The current generation may find powersliding as being for show and drifting comes to mind. But there is are some very good reasons for why rally-drivers do this and it is not for showing off. First; it's actually faster on loose surfaces. So of course if you design an algorithm that should be optimized for loose track surfaces you have to take this into account.

Secondly at least for human drivers, the sliding keeps you in control. Driving very fast on loose surfaces is bound to make your vehicle slide around. By initiating these yourself, you are in control - you can feel the amount of grip available, so by oscillating over and under the limit you can keep your speed high while still being in control. This last aspect of it is by far the most difficult and interesting aspect of designing such an algorithm in my opinion. This is where the "Scandinavian flick" for instance comes into play. But I will have to disagree with a commenter below that said this was done at 4:34 - that is more a correction of the exit of the last turn than a true Scandinavian flick. Solving the oscillating aspect of dirt driving through driver feel is something I am having a very hard time believing can be solved by algorithms. Driving around on hard surfaces where the friction is somewhat known I could see algorithms come close to humans, but on loose surfaces it seems quite a long way into the future if ever.