Most of the designed cams have a purpose.
Cam specs on this site describes many cams and what made for.
http://www.satanicmechanic.org/cams.shtmlOnly lift and duration numbers do not say all.
1 cam with slow lift to max, shorter time (crank degrees) with much opened valves, gently closing. Slimmer pointy lobes.
Another cam very aggressive, quickly to high lift and almost vertical drop when closing. Lobes like Mickey mouse, almost square shaped. Much more time where valves are really opened.
Same numbers on the card but soo different.
The aggressive one need to be checked, valve to valve and piston clearance. High wear on cam, rockers, holders.
The first can almost be used in a stock engine.
Dynamic compression will suffer too when letting out the pressure with opened valves, in and ex at the same time (overlap). Need pistons with higher domes, even deeper pockets for the often opened valves.
Action Fours had a good explanaion about this in their catalog.
Satanic Mechanic mention it too with drawings.
Racers could use different cams for different race tracks and durations?
24 hour Le Mans need an engine that will hold up to the finish as all races, right? Not a KH Super F in that one !