Only times I've had a fan in the radiator was due to failed engine/trans mounts on a Charger, and an old Ford PU whose water pump came apart.
That's two occasions since 1966...
That said, on the faster stuff - say, into the 10s, or a road course car - I typically run an electric fan for a variety of reasons.
Why would there be antifreeze in the car at a drag strip ? That's forbidden for obvious reasons, and should have been caught and dealt with beforehand.
I'm also a believer that when a drag car gets out of shape, back out of it before the day gets worse...for the car, or you, or the guy next to you, or the guys in line behind you.