INDYCAR updates standing start procedure

[Source: INDYCAR press release]

*

INDIANAPOLIS (Tuesday, July 10, 2013) – INDYCAR has updated procedures for standing starts, which will be implemented at Race 1 of the Toronto and Houston doubleheader weekends.

Highlights of the standing start procedures from 2013 IZOD IndyCar Series rulebook include:

Countdown – The safety car will lead the formation lap and drivers will follow single-file in starting order.

Formation Lap – During the formation lap, drivers will remain in starting order with no overtaking. The speed of the formation lap will be set by the safety car.

Grid – At the end of the formation lap, drivers will take their starting positions with the front wheels of the car remaining within its designated orange grid line.

A five-second declaration will be made via radio by the Race Director prior to the start of the light sequence. The starting sequence will begin when the first two rows of red lights on the lighting panel illuminate. The red lights will continue to fill from the bottom of the light panel two rows at a time, for a total of six steps (12 rows).

Once the panel is filled with red lights, there will be a delay between .5 and 3 seconds and the panel will switch to all green lights and the race will begin.

False Start – A false start shall be declared when a car moves forward or is out of its assigned position before completion of the light sequence. A penalty will be imposed for a false start.

Aborted Start – The Race Director can declare an aborted start before the final row of red lights is illuminated on the lighting panel. If the start is aborted, the full-course caution lights will be turned on.

In the event of an aborted start, a rolling start shall be implemented. Any Competitors whose actions result in an aborted start will move to the rear of the field.

Standing starts will be implemented at Race 1 of the Honda Indy Toronto on July 13 and the Shell/Pennzoil Houston Grand Prix on Oct. 5. Race 2 of the doubleheader weekends will utilize traditional rolling starts.