I often wondered about that, since you would think that with the engine right over the powered wheels FWD would deliver greater acceleration, because the wheels would be less likely to star slipping, delivering you into the realm of dynamic friction. Maybe I'll go back and crank the math. I solved a lot of these sorts of problems when I was in university.
You can never pop a wheelie with FWD though. Which in an actual drag race would be an advantage, much as the crowd loves wheelies.
I wonder, maybe you know: my understanding is that electric cars get greater acceleration. Are they used in drag racing? I haven't followed the sport since I was a teenager, and I'm 74. Does it even exist any more?