Its all about the avalability of turbos and blowers to the average gearhead. Racing has been about going as fast as possible. Boost or spray is how you get there. It wasnt that long ago that a 493 was a BIG street engine. Now "small" blocks regularly surpass 400 cubes. When you see a quick N/A car, its nostalgia... an appreciation for getting it done with less that is the appeal. (some would say that is the appeal of the import thing)
Everyone picks the sandbox they want to play in. Of course, we may not be able to afford play there....