Standing start

A standing start is a type of start in auto racing events, in which cars are stationary when the race begins.

In a standing start, cars are completely still but with their engines running when a green signal is given to start the race. This is often preceded by a set number of lights. Standing starts are common in many motorsports, including most single-seater (Formula One and GP2 Series notably), Touring Cars (most notably British and World Touring Cars), drag racing, V8 Supercars, kart racing, and many types of short-course off-road racing. The standing start often occurs following a parade lap.

American-based series such as IndyCar, NASCAR, and SCCA have traditionally utilized rolling starts. During the 2013 and 2014 seasons, INDYCAR adopted a rule for standing starts on a trial basis for selected events. INDYCAR dropped the procedure after numerous start aborts and a start-line crash after the 2014 season.

A Le Mans-style start was used for many years in most types of motor racing. When the start flag dropped, drivers had to run across the track to their cars which were parked on the other side, climb in, start the car, and drive away to begin the race.

Such starts were very unsafe, with drivers possibly rushing the process of fastening their safety equipment. Britain's RAC prohibited the use of the Le Mans start in English racing in late summer 1962 precisely for this reason. As a result, they are no longer used in any motorsport except for endurance motorcycle racing, such as the Coke Zero Suzuka 8 Hours and the 24 Heures Moto, bicycle endurance races and due to their vulnerability to flameouts, in nitro powered radio-controlled racing, except they are held above ground until start by its mechanics whilst the drivers remain in their stand.

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