In our part of the country there are "big buck" (5-12K to win) no box races. Trans brake and I believe air shift allowed. I entered twice last year footbraking. At Norwalk many were surprised when a number of cars that made it down to the final 8 each night were footbrake. Many having packages of .015 or less. Much of my racing is index over a period of days. No electronics at all, no 2 step, air shift, nothing. We have learned to deal with huge weather swings. Chances are if you're off more than .02 for very many passes you won't be setting in the winners circle. I have run the Nostagia Gas class as well. However the .400 tree is tough for me on a footbrake.
Doug