General Motors has secured US Patent 12,780,203 for an automated launch control system designed for drag racing. The technology utilizes onboard cameras to monitor the starting lights, known as the Christmas Tree, and manages vehicle torque, braking, and throttle without driver intervention.
The system is capable of distinguishing between two common starting formats: the Pro Tree, where all three amber lights illuminate simultaneously, and the Sportsman Tree, which features a sequential light pattern. It adjusts its launch timing based on the detected format to ensure accuracy.
The patent, titled Methods and Systems for Coordinating Launch Control for Vehicles for Racing, was initially filed in January 2025 and published in July 2026. It was officially granted on November 3.
While the filing details the software and camera integration, it does not specify any particular vehicle models or a production timeline. General Motors has not yet confirmed plans to bring this technology to the consumer market.
