General Motors has secured a patent for an automated launch control system designed for drag racing. The technology aims to assist drivers by managing the vehicle's start sequence at the drag strip, specifically timing the departure to coincide with the green light of the starting signal.
The system utilizes front-facing cameras to monitor the drag strip's light tree. Upon detecting the signal sequence, the software prompts the driver to engage launch control. The driver then holds the brake and accelerator pedals, while the vehicle's onboard systems manage torque and brake pressure.
The software is capable of identifying various light configurations and timing intervals used at different racing venues. By automatically releasing the brakes at the precise moment the green light appears, the system seeks to optimize the vehicle's reaction time during the start of a race.
GM filed the patent application in January 2025 and received approval earlier this month. While the company frequently patents new technologies, it remains uncertain if or when this specific automated launch assistant will be integrated into production vehicles.
