The drag racing Christmas tree, explained
Pre-stage, stage, three ambers, green and red: how the drag strip starting lights work, the difference between a Sportsman and a Pro tree, and what a red light means.
The lights, top to bottom
Pre-stage (small top bulbs): your front tyres are about seven inches behind the start line.
Stage (the next small bulbs): you have rolled forward onto the line. Both lanes staged means the starter can start the sequence.
Three ambers: the countdown. On a Sportsman tree they light one after another, half a second apart. On a Pro tree all three flash together.
Green: go. On a Sportsman tree it comes 0.5 s after the last amber; on a Pro tree 0.4 s after the ambers.
Red: you left before the green — a 'red light', which loses the race.
How Holeshot uses the tree
Holeshot's tree is not a race start. It tells you when the app has confirmed the car is stopped and steady: the ambers fill while it checks, and green means it is armed. Launch whenever you want after that — there is no countdown to react to.
FAQ
Why is it called a Christmas tree?
Because of its shape and its coloured lights stacked on a pole, like a decorated tree.
What is a good reaction time?
On a Pro tree, a 'perfect light' is 0.000 s after the green. Anything negative is a red light.
Holeshot: 0-60 & 0-100 Timer
Motion sensors + GPS at 100 Hz. Every split, every run, hands-free.