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 (for example, five lights are given before all lights extinguish in Formula One races; while Nintendo's Mario Kart series has three). Standing starts are common in many motorsports, including most single-seater (Formula One and GP2 Series notably, but not Indy Racing League, LLC or Sports Car Club of America sanctioned racing), 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.