Standing Start Exercises

Sharpen your reflexes with reaction time training for race starts and restarts.

Standing start exercises train your reaction time and launch technique for race starts, restarts, and pit exit scenarios.

Why Train Starts?

A good start can make or break a race:

  • Position gains - Pass multiple cars on lap 1
  • Avoid incidents - React quickly to avoid collisions
  • Mental edge - Confidence from consistent starts
  • Championship points - Every position matters

Exercise Types

Reaction Time

Pure reaction training:

How it works:

  1. Wait for a random delay (1-5 seconds)
  2. Visual/audio start signal
  3. Release brake and apply throttle
  4. Score based on reaction time

Target times:

LevelReaction Time
Excellent< 0.2s
Good0.2 - 0.3s
Average0.3 - 0.4s
Slow> 0.4s

Launch Control

Practice the complete start sequence:

What you’ll practice:

  • Optimal brake release timing
  • Progressive throttle application
  • Avoiding wheelspin at launch
  • Holding revs before release

Rolling Start

Train for pace car restarts:

What you’ll practice:

  • Maintaining position before green
  • Immediate acceleration on signal
  • Reaction to leader’s acceleration
  • Avoiding jump starts

Training Modes

Random Start

  • Random delay between ready and start
  • Tests true reaction time
  • Best for race simulation

Predictable Start

  • Fixed delay for learning the motion
  • Focus on technique over reaction
  • Good for beginners

Pressure Mode

  • Consecutive starts with scoring
  • Tests consistency under pressure
  • Simulates championship scenarios

Setup Options

Configure exercises to match your racing:

SettingOptions
Signal TypeLights, Sound, Both
Delay Range1-3s, 2-5s, Random
False Start PenaltyOn/Off
Throttle Target50%, 75%, 100%

Tips for Success

  1. Anticipate, don’t guess - Feel the rhythm without jumping early
  2. Breathe - Tension slows reaction time
  3. Eyes on the signal - Don’t watch other cars
  4. Practice daily - Reaction time improves with regular training
  5. Use audio cues - Close your eyes and react to sound

Applying to Racing

Race Start Checklist

  1. Warm up with 5-10 standing start exercises
  2. Note your average reaction time
  3. In the race, focus on the start signal
  4. Apply the same technique you practiced

After a Bad Start

If you had a slow reaction:

  1. Run 10 reaction exercises
  2. Identify if it was technique or focus
  3. Adjust your pre-race warm-up routine