Rolling start

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A rolling start is a type of start in an autoracing race, in which the cars are led at a certain speed by the safety car, before being allowed to accelerate at a certain point just before the start line. Motorsports utilising a rolling start include NASCAR and several worldwide touring car championships. Rolling starts have sometimes been deemed unfair, and on occasion are considered dangerous if drivers are too aggressive around the time the signal to "Go" is given.

Rolling starts are often accompanied by several rules to prevent drivers from getting an unfair advantage during the start of the race. For example, in NASCAR, drivers on the inside line cannot overtake cars on the outside until they have passed the start line. Other rules often used include not being able to pass the start line before the signal to "Go" is given (to prevent drivers on the front row from accelerating too soon), and not being able to be above a certain speed as the signal to "Go" is given (to prevent accidents and gaining an advantage early in the race).

Formula sports tend to not use a rolling start, mostly because of the physics and technology behind the sport (for example, being too close to the car in front for too long can cause overheating and engine problems), but also because of the quicker acceleration times, and bigger dangers behind accidents within the sport. However, the Indy Racing League and Champ Car do use rolling starts although Champ Car will be transitioning to standing starts on certain road and street courses that are deemed to have enough room to safely do so.

The opposite of a rolling start is a standing start.