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 when a green signal is given to start the race, often preceded by a set of lights (for example, five lights are given before all lights extinguish in Formula One races). Standing starts are common in many motorsports, including Formula One, GP2 Series, British Touring Car Championship, and many types of short-course off-road racing. The standing start often occurs following a parade lap.
A Le Mans-style start was used for many years and required the drivers to run across the track to their cars parked on the other side, climb in, start the car, and drive away to begin the race. However, these were very unsafe with drivers walking on an active track and possibly rushing the process of fastening their safety equipment. As a result, they are no longer used in any motorsport except for endurance motorcycle racing, such as the Coca-Cola Zero Suzuka 8 Hours. A Le Mans-variation called a "land rush start" is used at short course off-road races at Crandon International Off-Road Raceway where the vehicles start lined up side-by-side on a wide part of the track.[1] The vehicles are running and the drivers are wearing their safety belts when the starting signal is displayed.
The opposite of a standing start is a rolling start. Standing starts are often deemed safer in Formula sports, due to the higher acceleration speeds, which could cause problems if a rolling start were used, based on the speed of the safety car and regulations regarding the start (some forms of motorsport are strict on when cars may accelerate after the safety car enters pit lane—some do not permit acceleration until the cars are near the start line). A standing start can cause problems, however, such as stalled cars being hit by the driver who starts behind them on the grid. One example of that was the 2007 Champ Car Mont-Tremblant, where multiple cars stalled on the start, resulting in a safety car. Motorsports using standing starts usually penalise drivers who "jump the start", by moving before the lights extinguish.