Plus having to always working on the car
(to get it ready between rounds)
The paint would take too much abuse.
I assume that you will be putting clear on top, so that is what will take the abuse. Just put several coats on and watch the belt buckles when working on it. As for repair, I wouldn't worry about that on a drag car. If you brake an axle and hit the wall matching the paint will be the least of your worries
I think I’m having amnesia and daja vu at the same time…I think I’ve forgotten this before!!