Track position, reaction times, ET's and dial-ins all affect top end racing. Fred Bartoli of Altronics. I do have my own opinions on weather stations , too. There is a lot of work to be done in the pits in-between rounds that can be taken for granted. Fuel, tire pressure, engine cool-down, logbook records , practice trees , delay boxes , and more.
Mental preparation is important as well.
To delve into your own thoughts, check out the Psychology of Drag Racing , a series of papers I wrote for my Educational Psychology class as a Sophomore. I hope you find this Guide to Bracket Racing both enjoyable and informative.