In fact it's true. Look up FAST cars... Factory Appearing Stock Tire. There is Dave Dudek in a black 69 Hemi Roadrunner that has
gone 10.14 @138 to my knowledge, and Lane Carey in a 71 Mustang Cobra that has gone 9.84 @139 (I looked this one up).
They are running heavily modified engines putting 800+HP on Polyglass tires!