John, Thanks for the added details to that 1980 Indy Hemi saga. Another picture from that event:
As you can see thats a pretty high profile factory team car in that trailer. Obviously Politics weren't involved in their decision to toss anyone...
I was not at Indy in 2012 so anything I say will be here-say, BUT the facts I do know is that the winner and the lone car that was tossed did have the same "external modification". Now IMO, a few bolts that stabilize the valvetrain through the head are not external modifications. But technically they are and NHRA saw it that they were- illegal - For one car and one car only and not in post-race teardown. Were politics involved? IDK or do I really care at this point as it wont change anything.
All that matters from here forward is a consistent and equal enforcement of the rules for all...