Getting away in a pack is all about throttle response, if an engine is restricted it has a lot less throttle rseponse....in other words as you push down on the gas pedal it takes a lot longer to reach max speed. Without being restricted you push the pedal, it's pretty much instant response. I've been saying since 2002 when I first joined this forum that restrictor plate racing is a fabrication of Nascar, something to keep everyone pinned on their seats waiting for the crash that will happen and take out 10-15 cars. It's pitiful, it's not racing, yet Nascar refuses to address the problem. Let these guys drive 180-190 unresticted and I'd be willing to bet that the racing is way better than this crap we have had for 25 years.