Both forms of drag racing. The Top Fuel cars just roar.
To offer a counterpoint to your lopsided highlighting, the last 10 years have also seen some tracks modified, meaning that old V10 records can't be beaten anymore either. Also, the drivers are NOT conservative, given the cars, given how much more actual racing action there is.
VJ Mallya being the leader of a mid-tier team that lives on advertising exposure more than any technical skill. And Ferrari who are constantly whining when they are not in their lead. In the last 20 years, they've threatened to pull out *Checks stats* 14 times. There's been too much focus on engines. Not enough focus on engines. Too much focus on aerodynamics. Not enough focus on aerodynamics. Whatever area they happen to be weak at. Of course the crybaby Montezemolo will say that it's bad when his team is an utter clusterfuck, despite having Alonso. Every single interviewed DRIVER has said that this years cars are more difficult to drive, and requires more skill.
One of the reasons why F1 and other racing leagues are putting clamps on innovation is because they are already at the limits of what they can safely drive without completely redesigning every single track more than they already have.
Also, teams have ALWAYS teetered on the brink. Minardi were such a hit, weren't they? *crickets... hoot of a lonely owl....*
Other races reported increased spectator figures compared to previous years. Hungaroring and Spa for example.
As for the Mulsane straight, from what I hear, most drivers like it, because it became more challenging, and thus required more of the drivers.