Some of the more adventurous use the E-brake.
There are softer shoes, using 4 large shoes from two sets, wider shoes, and larger (S10) wheel cylinders. All are cheap but you takes your chances on the highway and/or stopping at the end of a run if you don't use an adjustable proportioning valve (and adjust it between launch and brake time).
I don't know if they are available, but there was a neat combo valve bypass set up in GM High Tech's last issue. Ron's Custom was developing it if I am not mistaken.
gnttype.org will have info on many of these options as well as a vendor listing. You could also search here on specific options. I don't use any of them, but am an avid e-searcher, so take it for what it is worth.
Tom