At the dragstrip, you're probably not trying to get 20-30K miles (or more) out of a chain - and you probably change gearing frequently for various tracks and/or conditions, so the convenience of a clip outweighs anything else. Right?
Yes! I have seen many 300+hp bikes with several clip style master links on them. Example, in Top Gas (8.20 sec in 1/4) It is easier to adjust timing and have 4 or 5 rear sprockets to adjust your ET than it is to use a throttle stop. The smart ones will have 4 or 5 chains to go with 4 or 5 sprockets, instead of 1 chain and many master links.
The chain on the bike to the left is 6 years old
and riveted.
I only drive it on the weekends
and put about 35 miles a year on the bike.
So I would have to say it is different than a street bike in a sand/rain storm with 20k+ on it.
Brent