I've been foot brake index racing over 25 years. I watch racers mess with jetting, timing, gear, etc. It comes down to; Make sure your car will go under the index. Practice on the tree. Keep good data. Get a good weather station. Read the track. Learn to dial it up on the index. Then work real hard and you'll turn the win light on, sometimes. The harder you work. The more win lights will light up on your side. If it was cheap and easy anyone could do it. After all, how hard can it be?
Doug