The track i race at most, the winners in almost all classes are on the faster end of the bracket.
I much prefer to chase, rather than being chased. Till they started checking whose red-light was worse, as the faster car your opponent has the chance to make the first red light. Also, when chasing, the finish line and the opponent is in front of me, and I can better judge closure rate. If I'm chasing, and get in front, he's done. If I'm being chased, I don't have a good perspective of his closing rate cause I have to look over my shoulder or in the mirror, and guess how fast he's closing . If I'm being chased, I HAVE to believe in my car and dial in, because unless I can see he has no chance of catching me, I can't lift.
But then, that's just my experience.
If slower won more races than faster, all those rat powered rear motor dragsters would be for sale, and there would be a run on mini vans at carmax and carvana.