I have efi and traction control but have never allowed the traction control to actually do anything. When running my rear modified, was able to hit the minimum for fuel at elmo but I did it on gas. I also hit beat the minimum for gas by over 30mph. Having run the class and knowing what my own car was capable of I think the minimums are very doable. Easy.. maybe not but as said before it isn't meant to be easy the opposite actually thats what makes it a special club.
I don't think that traction control is required to set any record. It may make it easier to drive but it doesn't get the record. Unfortunately for me the two rain out years got into my ability to run my roadster to its potential at bville and I had to sell it to move forward with my streamliner . My goal was to do over 300 on a gas b engine. I am very confident it would have done it with a few more runs. My first year with it I ran 276 at the 4 without being turned up.
Keep working it. It takes time to get these cars running their full potential. Sounds like you had a good first year. Just getting started