A system, method, and apparatus for controlling acceleration of a machine when the machine exits a grade. The system, method, and apparatus may determine a virtual gear having a maximum speed limit equivalent that matches the speed of the machine as the machine exits the grade. The system, method, and apparatus may also deactivate an automatic retarding control (ARC) strategy, which may be activated when the machine is on the grade to reduce and limit the speed of the machine to no more than a set speed, if the ARC strategy is active as the machine exits the grade. The system, method, and apparatus may also control automatic downshift of a transmission system to the virtual gear if the ARC mode was activing during the exit from the graded surface and is now deactive.