I once talked to one of the drivers about the idea of a home-dragster category. No clutch tricks, pure foot throttle with no computer....in other words, make a car that many people could build with lower costs.
The problem is that there would be so much competition in the field that some would never make money. And the extra cars would take away from the sponsor’s advertising effects. Even worse (for today’s crews), the current star drivers would become known as spam in a can when compared to the “real” drivers.
Because they have everything to lose and nothing to gain, the Force/Schumacher faction that controls much of drag racing would never allow the money to go there. Why spoil a good living?
Oh, well.
That would be a great idea to bring back the popular appeal of the sport.
Rules to make it affordable to the average guy, stock block (5000 or more units delivered in sold vehicles) and heads (from the manufactures' performance line sold publicly), and superchargers from a transportation manufacturer or aftermarket designed for street installation. Maybe a cubic inch limit, but unlimited mods, wow, what a thought.
You're right, of course, they'd never allow it, the money wouldn't all go where they wanted it to go.